About the Subsurface Wastewater Unit

Division of Environmental and Community Health
Drinking Water Program
Subsurface Wastewater Unit
286 Water Street, Augusta, ME  04333  
Phone: (207) 287-2070   Fax: (207) 287-4172

Responsibilities

It is the Subsurface Wastewater Team’s responsibility to:

  • Promulgate and administer the Subsurface Waste Water Disposal Rules (CMR 241), Rules for Appointment and Administration of Local Plumbing Inspectors (CMR 240), and Rules for Site Evaluators of Subsurface Wastewater Disposal Systems (CMR 245).
  • Maintain copies of all plumbing and subsurface waste water permits issued statewide.
  • Approximately 40,000 plumbing permits are processed annually, which generate approximately $275,000.00 in dedicated revenue.
  • The Program processes approximately 10,000 subsurface waste water permits annually.
  • License site evaluators for subsurface waste water disposal systems pursuant to CMR 245.
  • Provide reviews of engineering plans for compliance with or variance from departmental rules in support of the Division's various program areas.
  • Provide interagency reviews and make recommendations for Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Maine Land Use Regulation Commission, Maine Department of Education, and Bureau of Public Improvements, among others.
  • Conduct site inspections to assist site evaluators, local officials, and property owners. 
  • Administer a voluntary subsurface waste water disposal system installers certification program, in association with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.
  • Review and approve mausoleums, crypts, crematoria, and cemeteries.

Staff

Subsurface Wastewater Team

ALex Pugh, Sr. Environmental Hydrogoeolgist

The Team Leader of the Subsurface Wastewater Team is responsible for overseeing the day to day operation of the Team.

Brent Lawson, State Site Evlaluator

The position duties include providing onsite assistance to Site Evaluators, Local Plumbing Inspectors, and the general public in interpreting site and soil conditions, and investigating malfunctions of onsite sewage disposal systems; investigating complaints against Site Evaluators; reviewing first time and replacement system varainces; and administering the Site Evaluator program. Administration of the Site Evaluator program in turn includes administering both the written and field examination for prospective Site Evaluators; and providing technical and regulatory assistance to Site Evaluators. The position also provides guidance and interpretation of the Maine State Plumbing Code, Subsurface Wastewater Disposal Rules to other State agencies. The position reviews applications for onsite sewage disposal systems when time and other obligations permit.

Elizabeth Pellegrino, Assistant Environmental Analyst

This position oversees the processing, review, and storage of Internal Plumbing and SSWW permits submitted to the State from the Municipalities. This position also serves as the contact for any questions about permit fees, SSWW municipal account balances, and/or permits that have been resubmitted to municipality offices.