Dental Amalgam Separator Systems

New Law Summary

This law requires any dental office, placing, removing, or repairing dental amalgam, to install an amalgam separator by December 31, 2004.

The language of the law can be reviewed by clicking on the links below.

• An Act to Reduce the Release of Mercury into the Environment from Consumer Products, PL 1999, ch. 779 (see section 2). (off-site)

Codified (same text appearing in Maine Revised Statutes Annoted):

• Chapter 16-B: Mercury-Added Products and Services, 38 MRSA 1661 (beginning at Section 1661). (off-site)

Further amended by:

• An Act To Require the Installation of Dental Amalgam Separator Systems in Dental Offices, PL 2003, ch. 301. (off-site)
  
  

Dentists - What do I need to do?

Purchase an amalgam separator

Install the separator

Notify the Maine DEP of installation - use this notification form

Receive certification from Maine DEP

Maintain shipping and maintenance records

Separator Vendors

Your dental amalgam separator must meet the following criteria in order to be able to meet all existing laws, rules, and regulations.

1. Removal Efficiency. Must be tested in accordance with ISO standard 11143 and have a minimum removal efficiency of 95% if installed prior to March 20, 2003 or 98% if installed after March 20, 2003. List of amalgam separators that have passed ISO 11143 and may have been evaluated by Maine DEP to determined if "totally enclosed".

3. Written Recycling Contract. Either the dental amalgam separator vendor or the dental office must have a written contract with a licensed recycler. See Chapter 850, Section 3 (A) (4) XVI. (off-site)

 

How can you get your amalgam separator listed on this website as having passed the ISO1143 testing?

Send information pertaining to the exact manufacturer and model of amalgam separator. Enclose a copy of the test results from the certified laboratory that performed the ISO 11143 tests on your separator. Results must be on laboratory letterhead, indicating which make and model separator was tested, and must carry the signature of an authorized agent of the laboratory. Shall have test results for both empty and full scenarios in accordance with ISO 11143 testing protocol.

Mail this information to:
Sterling Pierce (207) 287-4868
Department of Environmental Protection
17 State House Station
Augusta, Me 04333-0017

Maine DEP staff will review your request and add your amalgam separator to the list, if the above requirements have been satisfied.

 

How can you get an interpretation from DEP on whether or not your amalgam separator is “totally enclosed”?

In order to obtain a written interpretation from Maine DEP concerning whether or not your amalgam separator meets the legal definition of “totally enclosed”, you need to fill out the totally enclosed determination request form and send it in witha brochure describing how your amalgam separator operates. Make sure that the documentation describes how the unit is opened and closed to replace the filter cartridge. The information shall include a schematic of the amalgam separator and describe how the unit is installed in the dental office wastewater discharge line. Send the above to the address below;

Rick Kaselis (207) 287-6113
Maine Department of Environmental Protection
17 State House Station
Augusta ME 04333-0017