More information About Pollution Prevention Assistance

In 1982, under Section 104(G) of the Clean Water Act, the Maine DEP initiated a program to address non-compliance problems at small wastewater treatment facilities. The goal of the program is to optimize the performance of municipal treatment facilities. DEP staff members provide on-site technical assistance to identify design, administrative, maintenance, and operational performance-limiting factors and work with the operators to find suitable solutions to those problems.

In 1991, Maine started a technical assistance program for industrial water pollution prevention. The goal of the program is to promote pollution prevention by industrial facilities. DEP staff members provide on-site technical assistance. Technical assistance consists of establishing industrial pollution prevention teams, facilitating technology transfer and providing measurement of success. Pollution prevention teams conduct site assessments, analyze problems and implement feasible solutions.

In 1994 Maine initiated the Municipal Water Pollution Prevention program (MWPP) - a team effort on the part of DEP, EPA, and the participating municipalities. The heart of the program is the annual self-assessment, developed to evaluate both the physical and financial conditions of the wastewater treatment facility and its ability to maintain or achieve compliance.

The person responsible for the operation of the WWTF completes the self-assessment and this information is passed on to the elected municipal officials responsible for the fiscal oversight of the facility. This approach provides a valuable management tool that is designed to help WWTF operators diagnose emerging problems, prevent potential problems, and identify and request needed resources.

In addition, municipalities have begun to see the benefits of pollution prevention through an outreach program designed to get local officials and the general public involved. This program has a watershed approach, builds local "teams", and focuses on water quality improvements.

Contact:   Sterling Pierce   207-287-4868
                Division of Water Quality Management
                Pollution Prevention Program
                17 State House Station
                Augusta, ME 04333-0017