|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|||||||
|
|
Maine Waste
Water Control Association Update Submitted at the
NEWEA Congressional Briefing The Maine Waste Water Control Association (MWWCA) supports delegation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program to the State of Maine; however, the MWWCA objects to the proposed language in the Maine Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) draft permitting regulations found in Chapter 523, section 2(a)(1), concerning a "zero discharge standard" for mercury. The MWWCA does not believe this standard was based on sound scientific rationale, and compliance with it may not be technically or economically feasible. The MWWCA also questions whether or not the "zero discharge standard" for mercury was ever approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as required under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (Clean Water Act). Currently, the MWWCA is working with the Maine DEP to resolve these concerns. Another important aspect of NPDES delegation to the State of Maine is the fee structure proposed by the Maine DEP. Attached is a copy of the "Estimated Fees Under Proposed Discharge License Fee System" from the Maine DEP. Environmental regulations will continue to financially impact Maine’s ratepayers, and the MWWCA wants Maine’s Congressional delegation to continue to be cognizant of the costs associated with cleaning the State’s waters. Although individual federal legislation does not always clearly indicate a major financial impact on ratepayers, those individual federal legislations, when added together, may strain an already tight budget for Maine’s wastewater treatment facilities. MWWCA hopes to work with both the Maine DEP and EPA Region I in making delegation a success for both the regulators and the regulated community. We appreciate your continued support of Clean Water Act programs.
For more information contact: Tom Wiley
Job
Bank
|
Equipment For Sale
|
Maine Legislature
|
|||||
|
|
 |
|
|
