By Colin Holme

Executive Director

Lakes Environmental Association

In the last few weeks, the Maine Legislature has been considering a bill to ban fireworks in the Shoreland Zone (LD 1942). This short and simple bi-partisan bill originally sponsored by Representative Jessica Fay of Raymond proposes to ban fireworks immediately around Maine’s lakes, ponds, rivers, streams and wetlands but it has several exemptions. Fireworks could still be used during the week of the Fourth of July, New Year’s Eve, Labor Day and Memorial Day. Permitted fireworks displays are also exempt from this prohibition.

While some bellyachers may look at this latest bill as another example of “environmentalists” trying to “take all our fun away,” I disagree. That said, there are plenty of reasons why fireworks should not be used around our waters, but I suspect the origin of this legislation is much more human in nature.

In 2012, when fireworks became legal in Maine, their use, pardon the pun, just exploded. That first summer, I remember hearing them three to four nights a week. Sometimes in the wee hours of the morning. Like many things, fireworks are lots of fun when you are the one using them. But when you or your young children are trying to sleep (to this I can attest), it is less amusing. Based on nothing more than my own ears and eyes, I would say that their use has gone down since the first booming couple years (sorry, again) but on the lakes, they are still quite common. The reason for this, I suspect, is that lakes draw many summer visitors and fireworks are a way to make your vacation even more memorable.

But for those living on the shore year-round or at least all summer, the fireworks experience got old and the magic of tranquil evenings on the lake, when the wind dies and water turns to glass, was routinely taken away.

It was not the perchlorate, barium, mercury or litter that spurred this legislation. It is not the effect on pets, wildlife or people with PTSD. It is the loss of the peaceful evenings on the lake. That is what I have heard time and time again from folks living on the water. They don’t mind fireworks, in fact, most folks enjoy them — they just don’t want to hear them all the time. 

I don’t know whether this bill will pass, but I think it is a good idea. And maybe having fireworks a little less often will make everyone enjoy them that much more. After all, there are other aspects of an evening on the lake that are pretty amazing too.