Winter 2014/15
In this Issue:
 In previous newsletters, I’ve discussed the ongoing work of DEP in
both climate mitigation and adaptation efforts. I talked about the creation of
the Environmental and Energy Resources Working Group whose purpose is to create
a cohesive, thoughtful and understandable approach by government to protect our
natural resources, our built infrastructure, as well as our health and safety. Our
focus through the Working Group has been to identify continued improvement in
breaking-down the silos between state agencies so our built infrastructure and
natural resource decision-makers can prepare and build a more resilient future.
Governor LePage asked for this cross-cutting review to be
undertaken by several agencies: DEP; Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry;
Inland Fisheries and Wildlife; Marine Resources; Transportation; and the Office
of Energy. Over the course of this review, we worked to develop a summary of
the programs and activities currently underway at these agencies, and
recommendations for improvements and for regulatory cohesiveness as together we
move forward on adaptation and mitigation work.
The Summary
and Recommendations by the Working Group is available on
the DEP
website. Among the Group’s recommendations are that its
function be continued to provide a forum for interdepartmental collaboration on
matters relating to climate, that a web-based climate adaptation resource for
resiliency planning be created and that input from stakeholders and natural
resource decision makers be sought. I hope you will continue to partner with us
and share your ideas and comments as we move forward.
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Wastewater operators in Maine will soon have a new way to
take the exam needed to receive their certification. Beginning in March 2015,
certification testing will change from pencil and paper to a computerized test.
Computer based testing will modernize
the Maine Department of Environmental Protection’s Wastewater Operator
Certification process and testing.
“During my interactions with wastewater operators I have
repeatedly heard requests for modernization of the testing and certification
process,” said DEP Commissioner Patricia Aho. “Specifically, I have received
suggestions related to increasing the frequency of testing, reducing the lag
time to receive exam results and moving to electronic testing,” she added.
The current paper testing is only offered twice a year and
it can take up to eight weeks to receive exam results. The change from paper to
computer based exams will allow a more convenient testing schedule, more
opportunities to take the exam (including
every other Saturday), and allow the tester to receive their results
immediately upon completing the exam. “These changes are long overdue and
create greater opportunities for our current and potential wastewater
operators. They will get immediate feedback and the process overall will be
improved,” Aho said. At the present time, there are two testing centers in
Maine as well as a location in Portsmouth, NH. The paper exam will continue to
be offered in Presque Isle for the time being.
In partnership with the Department, the New England
Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC) will continue to
administer the testing and certification process through their South Portland,
Maine office which houses the Joint Environmental Training Coordinating Committee
(JETCC). Computer based testing has
been successfully used by Maine’s Drinking Water Certification Program since
2012, as well as by other New England wastewater operator certification
programs.
The DEP maintains resources to engage Maine people in Department rulemaking and other opportunities for participation. Proposed rules available for comment and rulemaking meeting schedules, as well as proposed, recently enacted and pending regulations are available on the DEP Proposed Rulemaking webpage.
You can now sign up to receive rulemaking and other updates by managing your subscription from the link at the bottom of this e-mail.
Department Rulemaking Meeting: December 23, 2014
- 2014 Low Sulfur Fuel Oil Study
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Chapter 1000: Guidelines for Municipal Shoreland Zoning Ordinances (Amendments)
As part of our commitment to supporting and engaging our partners in environmental protection, DEP and our partners host many educational opportunities across Maine. For a complete list of training opportunities, visit the Maine DEP Training web page.
January 29, 2015
Examinations for Underground Oil Storage Tank Initial and Underground Oil Storage Tank Inspector
Maine DEP Response Training Room, Augusta
Erosion Control Practices for Contractors locations across the State.
Additional Training Resources
Tank Smart Online Operator Training
Asbestos and Lead Training Opportunities
Code Enforcement Officer training calendar
Maine DOT Local Roads Program workshops
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