A Homeowner's Guide ToEnvironmental Laws AffectingShorefront Property in Maine's

Organized Towns

Maine Department of Environmental Protection

November 2000

DEPLW-38-C2000

A Homeowner's Guide to Environmental LawsAffecting Shorefront Property in Maine'sOrganized Towns

-Table of Contents-

Introduction .......................................................................1

Protection and Improvement of WatersWhat is the Protection and Improvement of

Waters Law? ..........................................................3How to Comply with the Protection and

Improvement of Waters Law. ..............................4

Overboard DischargesWhat Regulates Overboard Discharges?..................6How Does this Apply to Existing Overboard

Discharge Systems?..............................................7

Erosion and Sedimentation Control LawWhat is the Erosion and Sedimentation Control

Law........................................................................ 8How to comply with the Erosion andSedimentation Control Law........................................10

Natural Resources Protection Act(NRPA)What is the Natural Resources Protection Act? ....11The Resources .............................................................11Activities that are Exempt from the NRPA ..............12Common Activities Requiring Permits .....................15NRPA Permitting Requirements ................................16

Seasonal Conversion LawWhat is the Seasonal Conversion Law? ..................18Under what Conditions are permits granted

for seasonal conversions?.................................19

Shoreland ZoningWhat is Shoreland Zoning?.......................................20Shoreland Zoning Law Requirements......................23Shoreland Zoning Permitting Requirements ...........27

Agency Directory ...........................................................38

INTRODUCTION

Nobody wants to own shorefront property on the shore ofa lake, river or coastal area that is polluted with sewage,algae or dead fish. It is to everyone's advantage to havelakes, rivers and coastal areas that are clear, swimmable,and teeming with fish and wildlife. In addition toprotecting property values, and enhancing recreationaluses, it is also vital to the state's economy. Maine'sLegislature has enacted several environmental laws whichhelp to protect these important natural resources frombecoming degraded. It is important that every owner ofshorefront property abide by these laws to ensure thatwater quality is protected.

The five state environmental laws relevant to shorefrontproperty in Maine's towns that are explained in thefollowing guide include: The Protection and Improvementof Waters Law, The Erosion and Sedimentation ControlLaw, The Natural Resources Protection Act(NRPA), andits associated regulations; the Seasonal Conversion Law;and the Mandatory Shoreland Zoning Act(MSZA) pluscorresponding local ordinances.

This booklet is designed to cut through the extensive textof these laws and regulations and provide you with asimpler, easy-to-understand version of their requirements.

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We hope that by providing you with information in thisform, you will be better able to comply with the laws andregulations.

This booklet is organized by specific law. Individualsections will briefly describe each law and summarize itsrequirements. This booklet is not intended as a legalreference. For a copy of the actual text of a law, contactthe administering agency.

Please note this booklet only addresses activities inorganized municipalities (towns) and in areas that are notlocated in sand dunes. Please refer to the standards of theLand Use Regulation Commission (LURC) for unorganizedareas, and to the Maine Department of EnvironmentalProtection's Sand Dune Rules for activities in these areas.

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Protection and Improvement of Waters

What is the Protection and Improvement of Waters Law?

This comprehensive law regulates activities whichdischarge or could potentially discharge materials("pollutants") into waters of the state (rivers, streams,brooks, lakes and ponds and tidal waters). This law isadministered by the Maine Department of EnvironmentalProtection (DEP).

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Section 413 requires that a license be obtained beforedirectly or indirectly discharging any pollutant. Licensesare issued conditionally and contain certain treatmentrequirements in most instances. Therefore, if you were tocause soil or any other untreated material (oil or gasoline,sawdust, untreated sewage, refuse, concrete, paint orwood preservative, etc.) to wash into a river, stream, lake,pond or tidal water, you would need a discharge license.The DEP generally does not issue discharge licenses forsoil or other untreated material. If you allow this materialto wash into a wetland or waterbody without a dischargelicense you are in violation of Section 413.

Section 417 prohibits the discharge of certain materialsinto waterbodies. It also prohibits the placement ofmaterials on the ice or banks of the waters of the state insuch a manner that the material may fall or be washed intothe water or that its drainage may flow or leach into thewater. The section specifically targets refuse includingwood slabs, edgings, chips, sawdust, shavings, bark,scrap metal, junk, paper, garbage, septic tank sludge,rubbish, old automobiles or similar refuse. The DEP alsointerprets this to include slash, stumps and other debris.

How to Comply with the Protection and Improvement ofWaters Law

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It is important to recognize that this law addresses theimpact of an activity, not its location. If soil washes into,or material can fall or be washed into a waterbody, aviolation occurs regardless of how close the activity is tothe affected area. It could be two feet or 200 feet away:what is important is the effect on the state's waterresources. You need to plan and conduct your activityaccordingly.

The following will help you ensure that you comply withthe law:

• Make sure erosion control measures consistentwith Best Management Practices are used,properly installed and maintained when doingany soil disturbance work.

• Take care when refueling boats and repairingstructures so as not to cause a discharge into thewater.

• Dispose of trash or other refuse such as leaves,grass clippings, etc. through composting ifpossible, or at a municipal solid waste facility.

• Properly dispose of sewage from boats andshorefront property.

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• Dispose of slash and other forest refuse away fromwaterbodies, not in or near them.

Overboard Discharges (riverine, coastal or tidal watersonly)

What regulates overboard discharges?

In 1987, the Protection and Improvement of Waters Lawwas amended to specifically address direct discharges ofsanitary or septic wastes from residential or commercialestablishments ("overboard discharges"). Althoughsubstantially amended in 1989, the law's intent is: 1) toencourage the reopening of shellfish beds by removingoverboard discharges into such areas; 2) to improve theoverall quality of Maine's waters by removing as manyoverboard discharges as possible; and 3) to improvecompliance with state regulations and ensure maintenanceof existing systems.

The law applies to discharges to riverine, coastal or tidalwaters and prohibits any new residential or commercialdischarges. All existing discharges must be licensed andhave appropriate treatment. If an existing discharge is notlicensed or does not have adequate treatment, the ownershould contact the DEP for assistance on how to proceed.

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Direct discharge of untreated wastes (straight pipes) toany waterbody are not "grandfathered" and must bereplaced by an appropriate treatment system. In addition,certain changes to existing licensed discharges maycategorize it as "new", and are therefore prohibited. Thesechanges include adding sources of wastewater to thedischarge or converting seasonal houses to year rounduse.

How does this apply to existing overboard dischargesystems?

If you have an existing licensed or permitted system thatdischarges into a shellfish area, the DEP will issue aconditional permit to allow you continued use of thesystem until 6 months after the DEP offers a grant topartially offset system replacement costs. If a grant is notmade available, the permit will expire 10 years from issue,but it is renewable. If your discharge is targeted forremoval, and a grant is made available, the DEP or yourtown will work with you to find alternative methods ofwastewater disposal.

If your existing discharge is in a non-shellfish area andyou have no alternative available for a subsurfacewastewater disposal system (septic system) and yourdischarge does not lower water quality in the area, you will

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be issued a 10-year license. If you do have an alternativeavailable, you will be issued a conditional permit, expiringeither 6 months after an offer of replacement systemfunding is made or in 10 years.

The DEP also has an inspection program designed toimprove license/permit compliance. The inspectionprogram provides for annual or semi-annual inspection ofthe discharge by a DEP inspector or licensed servicecontractor and is funded through annual inspection feescollected from owners.

For further information, see alsohttp://www.state.me.us/dep/blwq/wastepage.htm

If you have questions about overboard discharges, pleasecall the DEP at (207) 287-3901, and ask for someone in theoverboard discharge program.

The Erosion and Sedimentation Control Law

What is the Erosion and Sedimentation Control Law?

The Erosion and Sedimentation Control Law was enactedin 1996 to regulate activities involving filling, displacing orexposing soil anywhere in the organized areas of the state.The law is based on the premise that all areas drain to

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some type of waterbody and erosion of soil material mustbe prevented to keep these waterbodies from becomingdegraded. With the exception of agricultural fields, andforest management activities conducted in compliancewith Land Use Regulation Commission standards, the lawessentially requires that erosion control be installed on allsites where new soil disturbance activities occur. Nopermit is required under the law. However, a personconducting an activity is required to prevent unreasonableerosion of soil or sediment beyond the project site or intoa lake, stream, wetland, river or coastal area. For properstabilization, erosion control measures must be in placebefore an activity begins, be maintained and remain inplace and functional until the site is permanentlystabilized.

The law further requires that sites with chronic erosionproblems washing into a lake, stream, wetland, river orcoastal area (protected natural resource) be stabilized by2005 or 2010, depending on location. Property subject toerosion of soil or sediment into a protected naturalresource located in the watershed of a body of water mostat risk (See Appendix A), must be properly stabilized toprevent further erosion by July 1, 2005. All other propertysubject to such erosion of soil or sediment into aprotected natural resource must be stabilized by July 1,2010.

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How to comply with the Erosion and SedimentationControl Law

This law is enforced by the DEP and can also be enforcedby a municipality's Code Enforcement Officer. To complywith the Erosion and Sedimentation Control Law you mustensure that erosion control practices (such as hay balebarriers, silt fence, and hay mulch) are properly installedand maintained, at anytime you conduct filling or soildisturbance activity. You must also assure that theproject site is permanently stabilized, when the activity iscomplete.

If you have existing chronic erosion problems on yourshorefront property, you also have to stabilize these areasprior to July 1, 2005 or July 1, 2010 whichever applies.

For further information, see alsohttp://www.state.me.us/dep/blwq/stand.htm

Natural Resources Protection Act (NRPA)

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What is the Natural Resources Protection Act (NRPA)?

The NRPA regulates activities in, on, over, and adjacent tolakes, ponds, rivers, streams, brooks, freshwater wetlandsand tidal areas. Activities regulated under the NRPAinclude disturbing soil, placing fill, dredging, removing ordisplacing soil, sand or vegetation, draining or dewatering,and building permanent structures, in, on, over or adjacentto these areas. The law is designed to protect thesenatural resources and is administered and enforced by theDEP.

How are the "natural resources" defined?

• A lake or pond (called a "great pond" under thelaw) includes natural ponds greater than 10 acresand artificially formed ponds of greater than 30acres.

• A river stream or brook includes the river,stream or brook channel that is created by theaction of surface water (whether it flows year-round or just 3 months per year)

• A freshwater wetland is an area flooded orsaturated by surface or groundwater at afrequency and for a time sufficient to support

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wetland vegetation typically adapted for life insaturated soils. A forested wetland is a wetlandthat is dominated by trees that are 19.5 feet tall ortaller.

• A tidal area/wetland is called a "coastalwetland" under the law

Activities that are Exempt From the NRPA include:

• Any activity that occurs more than 100 feet awayfrom a lake, pond, river, stream, brook, freshwaterwetland or tidal area.

• Any activity within 100 feet of a lake, pond, river,stream, brook, freshwater wetland or tidal waterthat does not disturb the soil or place fill.(Disturbing soil includes activities such asexcavation for landscaping and construction of astructure. Placing fill includes activities such asdriveway or road construction, and beachconstruction. Both types of activities are subjectto the NRPA.)

• Any repair, maintenance or replacement of anexisting culvert, provided any replacementculvert is not more than 25% longer than the

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culvert being replaced and not longer than 75feet. In addition, erosion must be controlled andfish passage cannot be blocked for the activity tobe exempt.

• The installation of a waterline from a great pondto a single family home or the installation ofcables for utilities, such as telephone and powercables, if the excavated trench for access to thewater is backfilled and riprapped to preventerosion AND the landward side of the trench isseeded and mulched.

NOTE: The Bureau of Public Lands ((207) 287-3061)must approve the placement of any utility cableacross the bottom of the great pond to the extentthat it has jurisdiction.

• The installation of a temporary structure, such asa dock, walkway or float, in place less than 7months per year.

• Maintenance and repair of a structure in, on, overor adjacent to a lake, pond, river, stream,freshwater wetland or tidal area, and maintenanceand repair of private crossings of a river, streamor brook provided erosion control measures are

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taken; there is no additional intrusion into theresource; and the dimensions of the repairedstructure do not exceed the dimensions of thestructure as it existed 24 months prior to therepair, or if the structure is considered eligible bythe Maine Historic Preservation Commission forlisting in the National Register of Historic Places,the dimensions of the repaired structure do notexceed the dimensions of the historic structure.In addition, if the project consists of the repair ofa crossing, it must not block fish passage.

• The replacement of a floating dock with anotherfloating dock IF the dimensions of thereplacement dock do not exceed those of thedock being replaced AND the configuration ofthe replacement dock is the same as the onebeing replaced.

• The placement of a mooring.

• The installation or repair of a subsurfacewastewater disposal system (septic system) incompliance with all the requirements of thesubsurface wastewater disposal rules adopted bythe Department of Human Services under Title 22,section 42, subsection 3.

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If the work you are doing meets one or more of theseexemptions, you do not have to file a permit applicationwith the Department of Environmental Protection.

Common Activities Requiring Permits

• Road building, excavating, filling for patios andboat ramps, landscaping work, removing stumpsand bulldozing IF done within 100 feet of lakes,ponds, rivers, streams or brooks, freshwaterwetlands, and tidal areas.

• Installing or replenishing a beach area, movingrocks or removing vegetation below the normalhigh water line or installing new culverts for roadcrossings of portions of lakes and ponds, rivers,streams or brooks and tidal areas.

• Building or placing permanent structures in, on orover lakes and ponds, rivers, streams, brooks,freshwater wetlands or tidal areas.

NRPA Permitting Requirements

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There are two permitting programs under the NRPA:permit-by-rule (PBR) and full permitting. Permit-by-rulecovers most minor activities such as installing bridges andculverts in rivers, streams or brooks, filling or disturbingsoil within 100 feet (but greater than 25 feet) of awaterbody or wetland, and moving rocks or vegetationalong the shoreline. The PBR procedure simply requiresfiling a one-page notice with the DEP, providing a locationmap and photographs (in some cases) and waiting 14 daysfor the DEP to ensure that the activity you proposequalifies under the program. You must then followapplicable construction and erosion control standardswhen conducting your activity.

An individual permit is required for activities with greaterpotential impacts than those under permit-by-rule. Apermit application form must be filed with the DEP alongwith notification. The review process for the application isabout 5 months.

The DEP has staff available to answer questions aboutNRPA permitting from 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. Monday thruFriday. These people can be reached at (207) 287-2111.Please call if you need assistance.

For further information see alsohttp://www.state.me.us/dep/blwq/stand.htm

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Designing and conducting your project to take advantageof NRPA exemptions and the PBR program will minimizepaperwork and down time.

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Lake, Pond,River, Stream,

Tidal area

(NRPA permitrequired to work

in this area.)

100 ft.

NRPA permitrequired to work

in this area.(Soil

Disturbanceplacing of fill)

(NRPA permitnot required in

this area)

Seasonal Conversion Law

What is the Seasonal Conversion law?

The Seasonal Conversion Law was enacted to regulate theconversion of seasonal dwellings within the shorelandzone to year round use. Administration of the law isoverseen by the Department of Human Services. The lawonly applies to dwellings which existed on December 31,

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1981, and which were not used as a principal or year-roundresidence during the period from 1977 to 1981. The overallpurpose of the law is to ensure protection of the state'swaterbodies and groundwater resources It specificallytargets subsurface disposal systems by requiring thatpermits for seasonal conversions be obtained from thetown's local plumbing inspector.

Under what conditions are permits granted for seasonalconversions?

Permits can only be granted when it can be demonstratedthat:

- A disposal system design application, completed afterJuly 1, 1974, is on record indicating that the dwelling'swaste water disposal system substantially complies withDepartment of Human Services (DHS) Rules andapplicable municipal ordinances. The disposal systemmust be installed with the required permit and certificate ofapproval. If no such application is on record, areplacement system must be installed which substantiallycomplies with DHS rules and applicable municipalordinances; or

- The dwelling's waste water is connected to a publicor approved private sanitary sewer system.

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- Permits cannot be granted if a holding tank is used as ameans of wastewater disposal.

Shoreland Zoning

What is Shoreland Zoning?

The Mandatory Shoreland Zoning Act was enacted by theLegislature in the early 1970's in order to prevent waterpollution, and damage to the natural beauty and habitatprovided by lakes, ponds, rivers, tidal areas (coastalwetlands), freshwater wetlands and streams. The law

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targets development along the immediate shoreline ofthese resources and requires towns to enact a shorelandzoning ordinance at least as stringent as a modelordinance developed by the state. The ordinance mustapply to all areas within 250 feet of lakes, ponds, rivers,tidal areas(coastal wetlands) and freshwater wetlands, andat least 75 feet from certain streams. These areas make upthe shoreland zone.

Activities in the shoreland zone are regulated by the townthrough its code enforcement officer and planning board.The DEP oversees the town's administration andenforcement of shoreland zoning but does not issue townpermits under this statute.

Since the law allows towns to enact more stringentordinances as well as ordinances which may differ fromthe state's guidelines, you should always check with thetown in which you propose to work to ensure that you aremeeting its requirements. If you have tried and cannotreach municipal officials, the DEP may be able to provideyou with information on the town's ordinance. Pleasecontact the DEP's Shoreland Zoning Unit at (207) 287-2111.

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Activities exempt from shoreland zoning requirementsinclude:

• Timber cruising, forest resource evaluationactivities, pesticide or fertilizer application,management planning activities, timber standimprovement, pruning, and regeneration of foreststands inside of the shoreland zone (providedvolume removal and cleared openings standardsare not violated);

• Fire prevention activities and wildlifemanagement practices;

• Surveying and resource analysis; and

• Soil and water conservation practices andemergency operations.

Common activities that must meet town shoreland zoningrequirements include:

• Construction or expansion of structures

• Timber harvesting, individual tree removal andclearing of vegetation

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• Campground and marina construction

• Filling or earth moving activity, such as road ordriveway construction

• Construction of piers, wharves, and bridges

• Siting of commercial and industrial uses

Shoreland Zoning Law Requirements

The following is a summary of requirements establishedunder the Mandatory Shoreland Zoning Act which allmunicipalities must adopt in their ordinances as minimumrequirements:

• Within the shoreland area zoned for "ResourceProtection" abutting a great pond, there may beno cutting of vegetation within the strip of landextending 75 feet inland from the normal highwater line except to remove safety hazards. Thisapplies to clearing for development. Timberharvesting is limited to 30% of trees under frozenground conditions and other restrictions.

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• In all shoreland areas, with the exception of"Resource Protection" areas mentioned above,timber harvesting must be limited to selectivecutting of no more than 40% of the trees 4 inchesor more in diameter measured 4.5 feet above theground, on any lot in any 10 year period,provided that a well-distributed stand of treesand other natural vegetation remains (If allowedby local ordinance, this provision may beexceeded, with planning board approval, upon aclear showing that an exception is necessary forgood forest management and is carried out inaccordance with the purposes of shorelandzoning);

• Within a strip extending 75 feet inlandfrom the normal high water line, thereshall be no cleared opening or openings,except for approved construction and awell distributed stand of vegetationshall be retained.

• Any expansion of a structure whichincreases the volume or floor area by30% or more must meet the requiredsetback requirements No expansions

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are permitted closer to shoreline if thestructure is less than required setback.

Other important standards to remember which are notfound in the Mandatory Shoreland Zoning Act but inState guidelines that towns must adopt in zoningordinances, include the following:

• Beyond the 75 foot no-harvest strip in resourceprotection areas along great ponds, timberharvesting must not reduce the average residualbasal area of trees over 4.5 inches in diameter (at4.5 feet above ground level) to less than 30square feet per acre.

• At distances greater than 100 feet of a great pondor river flowing to a great pond and greater than75 feet from other waterbodies or the upland edgeof a wetland, harvesting operations can notcreate single clearcut openings greater than10,000 square feet in the forest canopy. Wheresuch openings exceed 5,000 square feet theyshall be at least 100 feet apart.

• In non-tidal areas the minimum lot size forresidential dwelling units is 40,000 square feetwith a minimum shore frontage of 200 feet. In

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tidal areas the lot size and frontage requirementsare 30,000 square feet and 150 feet respectively

• With the exception of structures in generaldevelopment districts or those requiring directaccess to water (piers, docks, retaining walls), allnew principal and accessory structures must besetback at least 100 feet from the normal highwater line of lakes and ponds and rivers that flowto lakes and ponds, and 75 feet from the normalhigh water line of other waterbodies, tributarystreams or the upland edge of a wetland.

• All new construction and development must bedesigned to minimize stormwater runoff from thesite in excess of the natural pre-developmentconditions. Where possible, existing naturalrunoff features, such as berms, swales, terracesand wooded areas shall be retained in order toreduce runoff and encourage infiltration ofstormwaters.

• The minimum setback for new subsurface sewagedisposal systems must be no less than 100 feetfrom the normal high water line.

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• All activities which involve filling, grading,excavation, or other similar activities which resultin soil disturbance, require a written soil erosionand sedimentation control plan.

Please note that the above mentioned standards are only apartial listing of requirements. Ordinances in somemunicipalities may be more stringent or in some specialcases may be less stringent.

PLEASE MAKE SURE TO CHECK WITH THEMUNICIPALITY THAT YOU WILL BE WORKING IN TOOBTAIN UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ONORDINANCE REQUIREMENTS!

Shoreland Zoning Permitting Requirements

If permits are necessary under shoreland zoning, they areobtained through the Code Enforcement Officer orPlanning Board in the town you will be working in. To besure that you adhere to the requirements of the municipalordinance, contact the Code Enforcement Officer orPlanning Board Chairman to determine permittingrequirements and obtain a copy of the municipality'sordinance.

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Activity Laws that apply Contact

Cutting oftrees alongthe shorelineand pullingstumps

ShorelandZoning,NaturalResourcesProtection Act,Erosion andSedimentationControl Law

Town CodeEnforcementOfficer (CEO),Department ofEnvironmentalProtection

Installation of anew septicsystem

Plumbing Code,ShorelandZoning,Erosion andSedimentationControl Law

Town PlumbingInspector, CEO

Installation of atemporary dock

ShorelandZoning

CEO

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Installation of apermanent dock

NaturalResourcesProtection Act(NRPA),ShorelandZoning, ErosionandSedimentationControl Law

Department ofEnvironmentalProtection(DEP), TownPlanning Board

Activity Laws that apply ContactConstruction of adwelling

ShorelandZoning, PlumbingCode, NaturalResourcesProtection ActErosion andSedimentationControl Law

Town PlanningBoard, TownPlumbingInspector, CEO,DEP

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Boat ramps ShorelandZoning,NRPA,ErosionandSedimentationControl Law

Town PlanningBoard, DEP

Clearing of rocksand vegetationalong the shore

NRPA,ShorelandZoning

DEPTown CEO

Placement ofstairs down tothe shoreline

ShorelandZoning, NRPA

Town PlanningBoard, CEO,DEP

Expanding orenclosing a deck

ShorelandZoning,Erosion andSedimentationControl Law

Town PlanningBoard, CEO

Activity Laws that apply Contact

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Shorelinestabilization

ShorelandZoning, NRPAErosion andSedimentationControl Law

CEO/TownPlanning Board

Addingbedrooms to adwelling with anoverboarddischarge system

ShorelandZoning,Protection andImprovement ofWaters Law(OverboardDischarges),NRPA, ErosionandSedimentationControl Law

Town PlanningBoard, CEO,DEP

Conversion of aseasonal dwellingto a year roundhome

SeasonalConversion Law

Town PlumbingInspector

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Note: the laws and contacts listed for each activityrepresent all possible state environmental laws andcontacts that could potentially be involved in regulatingan activity. In many cases, some of these will not apply.In all cases you should check with the contacts listed.

*All activities which involve soil disturbance or materialswhich could fall or be washed into a waterbody couldpotentially violate the Protection and Improvement ofWaters Law. To ensure compliance with this law, makesure that all soil and other materials are properlycontained and stabilized.

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Publications Useful In Protecting Water Quality

1) The Maine Erosion & Sediment Control Handbook forConstruction: Best Management Practices, CumberlandCounty Soil And Water Conservation District and MaineDepartment of Environmental Protection, March 1991.(This publication is available through the CumberlandCounty Soil and Water Conservation District).

Subject: This manual is a compilation of BestManagement Practices for prevention of soil erosionwhich provides a menu from which project designers maychoose the practices appropriate to specific projects. TheBMPs outlined include both temporary and permanentpractices as well as structural and vegetative practices.Great publication for use by consultants, engineers,planning boards, contractors, and public works officials inreviewing, planning and executing projects.

2) Watershed: An Action Guide to Improving MaineWaters, DEP, State Planning Office and University ofMaine Cooperative Extension, April 1990

Subject: This 24 page booklet introduces the watershedconcept and provides information on what actionsindividuals can take to prevent non-point source pollutionfrom degrading Maine waterbodies. It further discusses

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the threats to these waterbodies and provides a listing ofresources where more information can be obtained onprevention practices.

3) Eight Simple Steps to Clean Water, DEP, 1997

Subject: This two-page pamphlet briefly explains thewatershed concept and suggests ways an individual canhelp to prevent polluted runoff from degrading Maine'swaterbodies.

4) The Buffer Handbook, Androscoggin Valley Soil &Water Conservation District, 1998

Subject: This booklet explains the importance of bufferstrips in protecting water quality and provides informationon the various types of plants that can be used inestablishing them. The booklet also includes informationon plant hardiness, growth rates, environmentalpreferences and wildlife value.

5)Erosion on Shorefront Property: Identifying the Causesof Chronic Erosion Problems Fact Sheet #2

Subject: This pamphlet is designed to assist in correctingbasic erosion problems on shorefront property,

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specifically lakes, ponds, small streams, and sheltered tidalwaters.

6) A Citizen's Guide To Lake Watershed Surveys: Howto Conduct a Nonpoint Source Phosphorous Survey,Maine DEP, COLA, April 1992

Subject: This 65 page guide provides essential, step bystep information, to assist groups in organizing andconducting lake watershed surveys. It contains ninesections which cover such aspects as getting organized,what to look for, writing up and distributing surveyresults, and getting technical and financial help.

7) A Citizen's Guide to Coastal Watershed Surveys,Maine DEP, May 1996

Subject: This 78 page publication provides essential, stepby step information, to assist groups in conductingcoastal watershed surveys. These surveys are designedto help determine and remedy causes of coastal pollution.8) For Your Lakes Sake, York County Soil and WaterConservation, under a grant from MDEP

Subject: This pamphlet outlines the concept of whatinfluences lake water quality and the perils associated with

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phosphorous loading to lakes. The pamphlet providessome practical suggestions for preventing lake pollution.

9) The Lake Book: Actions You Can Take To ProtectYour Lake, Congress of Lakes Associations, September1995. (This publication is available through the MaineCongress of Lakes Association)

Subject: This 31 page booklet explains how lakesfunction, how they are threatened, and how they can beprotected. It also outlines actions an individual can taketo help protect and preserve Maine lakes.

10) Camp Road Maintenance Manual: A Guide ForLandowners, Kennebec County Soil & WaterConservation District, 2000 edition (This publication isavailable through the Kennebec County Soil & WaterConservation District)

Subject: This 58 page booklet is designed to helpindividuals evaluate their camp roads and implementchanges which will help stabilize the road. The goal of thebooklet is to reduce impacts from these roads on fragilelakes and ponds.

11) Protecting Maine Lakes An Overview, Maine DEP

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Subject: This 10 page pamphlet provides a simple, easy tounderstand explanation of lake biology and the effects ofphosphorous on these waterbodies. It further discusseswhat actions can be taken by individuals, towns, lakeassociations and conservation commissions.

12) Phosphorous Pollution From Camp Roads andDriveways, Fact Sheet #07

Subject: This pamphlet covers phosphorous pollutionfrom erosion of camp roads and driveways, and suggestsways in which it can be prevented. Ditch turnouts, waterbars and stream crossings are discussed.

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13) Walk For a Rainy Day: What You Can Do To HelpMaintain Your Camp Road: China Region Lakes Alliance1996

Subject: This trifold pamphlet briefly explains the effectsof improperly maintained camp roads and suggests waysto correct problems in an effort to minimize pollution fromthem.

14) Maine Shoreland Zoning, A Handbook for ShorelandOwners, Maine DEP, 1999

Subject: This 34 page booklet explains the State'sShoreland Zoning Law and Guidelines in words andpictures, for shoreland owners.

Unless otherwise noted all publications are available fromthe:

Maine Department of Environmental ProtectionBureau of Land and Water Quality

17 State House Station Augusta, Maine 04333

e-mail: lwpub@state.me.us

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AGENCY DIRECTORY

Maine Department of Environmental ProtectionBureau of Land and Water Quality

17 State House StationAugusta, Maine 04333

Tel.(207) 287-2111 or 1-800-452-1942http://www.state.me.us/dep/blwq

DEP Southern Maine Regional Office312 Canco Road

Portland, Maine 04103Tel. (207) 822-6300 or 1-888-769-1036

DEP Eastern Maine Regional Office106 Hogan Road

Bangor, Maine 04401Tel. (207) 941-4570 or 1-888-769-1137

DEP Northern Maine Regional Office1235 Central Drive

Presque Isle, Maine 04769Tel. (207) 764-0477 or 1-888-769-1053

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Maine Department of Human ServicesDivision of Health Engineering

11 State House StationAugusta, Maine 04333

Tel. (207) 287-5338

Maine Department of ConservationBureau of Public Lands22 State House StationAugusta, Maine 04333

Tel. (207) 287-3061

Maine Department of ConservationLand Use Regulation Commission

22 State House StationAugusta, Maine 04333

Tel. (207) 287-2631

Maine Historic Preservation Commission65 State House StationAugusta, Maine 04333

Tel. (207) 287-2132

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Maine Soil and Water Conservation Districts

Androscoggin Valley(Androscoggin-Sagadahoc)Soil & Water Conservation

DistrictP.O. Box 1938

254 Goddard RoadLewiston Maine 04241-1938

Tel. 753-9400

Knox - Lincoln CountySoil & WaterConservation

District191 Camden Road

Warren Maine 04864Tel. 273-2005

Central AroostookSoil & Water Conservation

DistrictUSDA Building

99 Fort Fairfield RoadPresque Isle, Maine 04769

Tel. 764-4153

Oxford CountySoil & WaterConservation

District1 Main Street

South Paris Maine 04281Tel. 743-7019

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St. John Valley(Northern Aroostook)

Soil & Water ConservationDistrict

96 Market StreetFort Kent, Maine 04743

Tel. 834-3311

Penobscot CountySoil & WaterConservation

District28 Gilman Plaza

Bangor Maine 04401Tel. 941-8973

Southern AroostookSoil & Water Conservation

DistrictRR# 3 Box 45

Houlton, Maine 04730Tel. 532-2087

Piscataquis CountySoil & WaterConservation

District1073 W. Main Street Suite

7Dover Foxcroft, Maine

04426Tel. 564-2321

Cumberland CountySoil & Water Conservation

District381 Main Street Suite 3Gorham, Maine 04038

Tel. 839-7842

Somerset CountySoil & WaterConservation

District7 High Street

Skowhegan, Maine 04976Tel. 474-8324

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Franklin CountySoil & Water Conservation

District2 Park Street

Farmington, Maine 04938Tel. 778-4279

Waldo CountySoil & WaterConservation

District69 Northport AvenueBelfast, Maine 04915

Tel. 338-2320Hancock County

Soil & Water ConservationDistrict

RFD 5 Box 508WEllsworth, Maine 04605

Tel. 667-8663

Washington CountySoil & WaterConservation

DistrictP.O. Box 121

Machias, Maine 04654Tel. 255-3995

Kennebec CountySoil & Water Conservation

DistrictFederal Building Room 408-C

Augusta, Maine 04330Tel. 622-8258

York CountySoil & WaterConservation

District160 Cottage Street

Sanford, Maine 04073Tel. 324-7015

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This publication is updated and reprinted periodically. Inthe interest of continually improving its contents to makeit as useful as possible to homeowners, we invite yourinput. We are particularly interested in your thoughts onthe usefulness of the information presented, in addition tothe publication's readability and layout. Please send anycomments you may have to:

Maine Department of Environmental ProtectionNonpoint Source Training & Resource Center

State House Station #17Augusta, Maine 04333