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Re-Classification Update, Maine Waters
September 12, 2009, Reclassification Update
On December 18, 2008 the Board of Environmental Protection (BEP) unanimously voted to recommend all of the Maine DEP-recommended proposals for reclassification to the Maine State Legislature, Natural Resources Committee, with the exception of Long Creek. Regarding Long Creek, the BEP accepted a motion to re-open the record until January 23, 2009. The BEP subsequently voted 4 in favor / 3 opposed on February 5, 2009 to also forward the Long Creek recommendation to the Legislature. The Department water quality classification bill number is LD 330 An Act to Change the Classification of Certain Waters of the State.
Included in the BEP recommendations to the Legislature are a summary of the proceedings before the Board and particular issues raised, descriptions and maps of the waterbodies proposed for reclassification, and the Department's response to comments received on the reclassification proposals.
On February 17, 2009 the Natural Resources Committee of the Legislature held a public hearing on LD 330. DEP written testimony, 2/17/09.
More information on the Legislative process may be found on the Maine State Legislature website: http://janus.state.me.us/legis/
Reclassification changes were enacted by the Legislature in PL 2009, Ch. 163,
An Act To Change the Classification of Certain Waters of the State, effective September 12, 2009.
Contact
Introduction
The Department and the Board of Environmental Protection (BEP) are required to periodically conduct classification studies and consult with the public and interested state and federal agencies for the purpose of reviewing the appropriateness of assigned water quality classifications and proposing changes in water classification for Maine waterbodies. The last Re-Classification initiative was completed in 2005. The review of water quality classifications takes place every 3-6 years and considers rivers, streams and coastal waters throughout the State. Maine lakes are all assigned to one management class, GPA, and so are not subject to reclassification at this time. The DEP will consider public input as it develops recommendations for changes in classification to the BEP. The BEP will hold a formal public hearing on the draft package during late summer and compile final recommendations for submission to the 123 rd Legislature (Session opening January 2009) . The Maine State Legislature authorizes all classification changes and, prior to becoming law, the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency must approve any water quality standards changes that are made by the State of Maine.
Maine 's Water Classification law is designed to protect, maintain and restore water quality. The law directs the implementation of water management actions for a water body or segment of a water body based on Maine 's tiered classifications (Riverine Class AA, A, B and C and Marine Class SA, SB and SC). All water quality classifications for Maine waterbodies are designed to attain the Interim Goals of the U.S. Clean Water Act or higher. Appendix A provides a summary of the uses and criteria that apply to each waterbody type and water quality classification. More information.
Proposal
History
|
Fall 2007-Winter 2008
|
Receive re-classification proposals; Prepare MDEP draft re-classification package
|
Stakeholder group meetings as needed |
April-June 2008 |
Public review of proposed changes at Public Meetings around Maine (2 - Lewiston and Presque Isle) |
Summer 2008 |
Board of Environmental Protection (BEP) Public Hearings (2) |
| September 18, 2008 beginning at 1:30 PM |
Hearing |
December 2008 |
BEP final vote on Re-Classification proposal |
January 2009 |
Submit statutory changes for Legislative approval |
February |
Legislative hearing on Re-Classification bill |
Supplementary materials
