Voluntary Response Action Program (VRAP)

Introduction
Contacts
VRAP Statutory Sections
VRAP Information and Forms
Related Programs
Other Related Programs

Introduction

In 1993, the Maine Legislature established the Voluntary Response Action Program (VRAP). The VRAP allows applicants to voluntarily investigate and cleanup properties to the Department's satisfaction, in exchange for protections from Department enforcement actions. The VRAP is intended to encourage the cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties within the state.

Contacts

For more information about VRAP contact Nicholas J. Hodgkins at (207) 287-2651 or (207) 287-4854.

VRAP Statutory Sections

38 MRSA 342, Section 15, Technical Services establishes the authority to administer the program

38 MRSA 343-E, The Voluntary Response Action Program establishes the framework for participation in and certification by the VRAP Program

38 MRSA 343-F, Reporting & Disclosure Requirements establishes the requirements for reporting to the DEP if contamination is present at a property

38 MRSA 3001, et seq, Uniform Environmental Covenants Act (UECA) establishes the requirements for writing and recording Declarations of Environmental Covenants, which are required at all VRAP sites that include engineering and/or institutional controls as part of the remedy.

VRAP Information and Forms

(Newly Revised April 18, 2008) - VRAP Application (MS Word format) (pdf format)
New! Voluntary Response Action Program Public Communication Decision Matrix

The VRAP Public Communication Decision Matrix is effective January 1, 2008. Find out what this new policy means for your VRAP site.
Voluntary Response Action Program Public Communication Decision Matrix
The Division of Remediation Sites List Database - the public record of sites in the Division of Remediation, including all VRAP sites. (htm Format)
VRAP Issue Profile - has a Q & A format, and responds to the most commonly asked VRAP questions. (htm format)
Updated! Sample UECA template – (MS Word format) (pdf format) to be used as a template for drafting Declarations of Environmental Covenants. Each document will need to be modified to reflect site specific circumstances and need to be reviewed by the VRAP and/or the Attorney General’s Office before being finalized, but this template contains boilerplate language that will appear in any document that is consistent with statute.
Maine's Remedial Action Guidelines - guidelines for Hazardous Substances in soil may be used as cleanup levels for contaminated sites where the underlying assumptions are appropriate - Guidelines in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format (51KB) (Updated May 20, 1997)
View the Technical Basis for Maine 's Remedial Action Guidelines (MS Word) (pdf format)
Procedural Guidelines for Establishing Action Levels and Remediation Goals for the Remediation of Oil Contaminated Soil and Groundwater in Maine - This guidance document outlines a decision tree approach using site specific geologic and human exposure related criteria to establish remediation goals for oil contaminated soil and groundwater. (pdf format) Revised March, 2000. Appendix A - Flow Chart for DEP Decision Tree (pdf format)
Maximum Exposure Guidelines (MEG) (Off Site) – guidance for drinking water (pdf format)

Related Programs

Brownfields

Uncontrolled Sites Program

Other Related Links (Off Site)

EPA Brownfields (Headquarters) Homepage

EPA's CERCLIS DATABASE

Brownfields Success Stories

EPA Region 3 Risk-Based Concentrations

Federal Drinking Water Standards and Health Advisories

Interstate Technical & Regulatory Council (ITRC) Guidance documents and education materials on site characterization and remedial technologies