PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • January 5, 2026
Anyone who cares about public health, sanitation and clean water should see the award-winning documentary “Unless Something Goes Terribly Wrong.” The film follows the employees of Portland’s wastewater treatment plant. These workers are doing phenomenal work with limited means to keep our environment clean. My takeaway is that it’s becoming increasingly important for existing wastewater treatment plants to be upgraded so that they can effectively handle wastewater in an efficient and environmentally friendly way. However, the Trump administration proposes to reduce or eliminate funding for many water infrastructure programs. I salute the Portland wastewater plant workers for their impact on public health, the local economy and environmental well-being they deliver. ~ Jim Farnan, East Boothbay