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<p class="MsoNormal">Hi Everyone,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We have had several groups and members of the public reach out to Maine DEP due to concerns about ECM and potential contamination with invasive jumping worms. There are a number of best practices to prevent their spread in general which
can be found here: <a href="https://www.maine.gov/dacf/php/horticulture/jumpingworms.shtml">
https://www.maine.gov/dacf/php/horticulture/jumpingworms.shtml</a><o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">As the worm eggs are not easily visible, it can be difficult to see if materials are contaminated. Most commercial operators already practice biosecurity during mulch production, but if you are sourcing ECM from a region with a known infestation
and want to take extra precautions, there is evidence that a heat treatment through solarization can help sanitize the mix. Instructions can be found here:
<a href="https://www.maine.gov/dacf/php/horticulture/documents/JWFactSheetForComposters.pdf">
https://www.maine.gov/dacf/php/horticulture/documents/JWFactSheetForComposters.pdf</a><o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As always, consider the area that requires the use of erosion control. ECM is still an important BMP and should still be safe to use when precautions are taken.<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Cheers,<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="color:black;mso-ligatures:none">Kirsten M. Thompson, PhD<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="color:black;mso-ligatures:none">Environmental Specialist, Bureau of Water Quality<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="color:black;mso-ligatures:none">Northern Maine Regional Office – Presque Isle<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="color:black;mso-ligatures:none">Work Mobile: 207-530-3960<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><i><u><span style="color:black;mso-ligatures:none"><a href="http://www.maine.gov/dep"><span style="font-family:inherit;color:blue;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in;font-style:normal">www.maine.gov/dep</span></a></span></u></i><span style="color:black;mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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