MAY 2026
The Department of Environmental Protection is proposing two new rulemaking efforts:
1. An amendment of Chapter 595: State Revolving Fund. (Jointly with the Maine Municipal Bond Bank) The purpose of the amendment is to update language related to interest rates and administrative fees to reflect current program requirements and ensure the long-term sustainability of the fund. A request to post Chapter 595 for a 30 day public comment will appear on the May 7, 2026 Board of Environmental Protection agenda.
2. An amendment of Chapter 579: Classification Attainment Evaluation Using Biological Criteria for Rivers and Streams. The purpose of the amendment is to incorporate additional numeric aquatic life criteria for fresh surface waters based on macroinvertebrate and algal communities. A request to post Chapter 579 for public comment and to schedule a public hearing will appear on the May 21, 2026 Board of Environmental Protection agenda.
The Department welcomes your input on these proposals. Please contact Matthew Hight at matt.hight@maine.gov or 207-719-0703 for additional information. There will be opportunities for public comment on the draft rules. To keep informed about the rulemaking process you may sign up for email notices here or visit the Department’s rulemaking page at https://www.maine.gov/dep/rules/
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The BRIC grant program makes federal funds available for hazard mitigation activities with the goal of lowering future disaster costs. It does so with a recognition of the need to upgrade and modernize the nation’s infrastructure against natural weather disasters, and of the need for natural hazard risk mitigation activities and resilience with respect to those hazards.
The following project types are eligible for this BRIC round:
- Activities that directly support infrastructure resilience, such as:
- The adoption, enforcement, and implementation of hazard-resistant building codes
- Project scoping activities for specific infrastructure
- Hazard Mitigation Projects – cost-effective infrastructure and construction projects designed to increase resilience and public safety; reduce injuries and loss of life; and reduce damage and destruction to property, critical services, facilities, and infrastructure (including natural systems) from a multitude of natural hazards, including drought, wildfire, earthquakes, and the effects of natural weather disasters. Only infrastructure and construction projects that have, at a minimum, a conceptual design are eligible; phased projects are not eligible.
Hazard Mitigation Plan development or updates, and project scoping activities not directly supporting a specific infrastructure project are not eligible under BRIC.
As of February 21, 2023, any shovel-ready projects with a total project cost exceeding $250,000 are subject to Build America Buy America Act (BABAA), through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) that was signed into law November 2021. BABAA requires that all iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials used or planned to be used in infrastructure projects must be produced in the United States. See FEMA BABAA Best Practices FEMA BABAA Policy Guidance for further information.
Please read through the linked FEMA Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), federal procurement requirements, and MEMA BRIC Fact Sheet.
https://simpler.grants.gov/opportunity/bccd8cb3-af60-4773-a5e5-f5a228991289
https://www.maine.gov/mema/sites/maine.gov.mema/files/inline-files/MEMA%20BRIC%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf
The following allocations have been provided through the BRIC NOFO:
State Competition Allocation: $2 million dollars
State Allocation for Building Codes: $1 million dollars
National Competition Allocation: $757 million dollars
Tribal Set-Aside: $50 million dollars
Tribal Building Code Plus Up: $25 million dollars
Application deadline to Apply to the State Hazard Mitigation Officer: June 18, 2026, by 5:00pm
Cost Share: 75% Federal Share/25% Non-Federal Share unless:
Impoverish Communities as defined in 42 U.S.C. § 5133(a) are eligible for an increase in funding, up to a 90% Federal Cost Share/10% Non-Federal Cost Share. Impoverished communities of 3,000 or fewer people, with residents having an average per capita annual income not exceeding 80% of the national per capita income, based on the best available data.
Starting April 6, 2026, they will be providing virtual open office hours, +1 207-209-4724,,375722362# every Monday 11am-12pm, for those who have questions or inquiries related to BRIC funding.
Please contact hmagrants@maine.gov for grant eligibility checks, project inquiries, application, and application details.
NEIWPCC is pleased to announce the release of two self-paced courses, Basic Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Wastewater, Process, Troubleshooting, & Optimization. The on-demand training is delivered via an interactive platform designed to be comprehensive and engaging for self-study. These classes are being offered free of charge under NEIWPCC’s Training and Technical Assistance Program, supported by EPA Grant TW84064801.
The 20-hour Basic Municipal Wastewater Treatment is designed for new operators and water professionals entering the field. It covers the path of wastewater when it first leaves a residence to when it emerges as treated water exiting a plant.
Wastewater Process, Troubleshooting, & Optimization is an 8-hr course designed for those with some experience in the field. The course builds a greater understanding of secondary treatment to help operators not only resolve process problems, but also systematically optimize the treatment process.
Sign up for Basic Municipal Wastewater Treatment here: https://payments.neiwpcc.org/product/basic-municipal-wastewater-treatment-26s-sp003-20-tchs/
Sign up for Wastewater, Process, Troubleshooting, & Optimization here:
https://payments.neiwpcc.org/product/wastewater-process-troubleshooting-and-optimization-26s-sp004-8-tchs/
Questions? Contact Josie Fazio, jfazio@NEIWPCC.org, 978-349-2525.
A few weeks ago, a Maine Public Water System (PWS) Superintendent was sent a phony Docusign request from what appeared to be the Superintendent’s own email address. Upon further investigation by state and federal cybersecurity response partners, the email was found to have originated from a Chinese site known to be affiliated with other malicious activity.
Another attack on a much larger scale involved Iranian-affiliated cyber actors exploiting Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) across US Critical Infrastructure. According to a joint cybersecurity advisory (attached), Iran-affiliated actors are conducting exploitation activity targeting internet-facing operational technology (OT) devices, including programmable logic controllers (PLCs) manufactured by Rockwell Automation/Allen-Bradley.
This activity has led to PLC disruptions across several U.S. critical infrastructure sectors through malicious interactions with the project file and manipulation of data on human machine interface (HMI) and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) displays, resulting in operational disruption and financial loss. Please go to Iranian-Affiliated Cyber Actors Exploit Programmable Logic Controllers Across US Critical Infrastructure | CISA for more information.
If you would like help addressing cybersecurity vulnerabilities at your plant, the EPA has technical assistance from cybersecurity subject matter experts available. Please visit this website for more information: Cybersecurity Technical Assistance Program for the Water Sector | US EPA.
The Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CIS) offers guidance for the water/wastewater sector at this link: Shields Up | CISA.
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SSOs (Sanitary Sewer Overflows) sporadically occur from wastewater systems due to mechanical problems, blockages, or periods of high precipitation or runoff. SSOs are often discharges from wastewater systems occurring upstream of the treatment system headworks, but discharges at the treatment plant that escapes the collection system are also considered SSOs.
Standard Condition B(1)(a) states:
The permittee shall collect all waste flows (emphasis added) designated by the Department as requiring treatment and discharge them into an approved waste treatment facility in such a manner as to maximize removal of pollutants unless authorization to the contrary is obtained from the Department.
(b) The permittee shall at all times maintain in good working order and operate at maximum efficiency all waste water collection, treatment and/or control facilities.
Any discharge or untreated or partially treated wastewater from broken mains, clogged mains, manholes, treatment plant equipment, and pump stations to the land, water, wetlands, or structures that should normally be contained in the collection and treatment system controlled by the permittee are considered SSOs and subject to all reporting requirements. The only exceptions to this requirement are permitted combined sewer overflows, authorized treatment system bypasses, and discharges occurring due to issues from private collection systems or laterals.
Septically, SSOs are subject to the requirements of Standard Condition D(1)(f) regardless for who is responsible for the part of the system that is the source of the SSO.
(f) Twenty-four-hour reporting.
(i) The permittee shall report any noncompliance which may endanger health or the environment. Any information shall be provided orally within 24 hours from the time the permittee becomes aware of the circumstances. A written submission shall also be provided within 5 days of the time the permittee becomes aware of the circumstances. The written submission shall contain a description of the noncompliance and its cause; the period of noncompliance, including exact dates and times, and if the noncompliance has not been corrected, the anticipated time it is expected to continue; and steps taken or planned to reduce, eliminate, and prevent reoccurrence of the noncompliance.
Further, SSOs are also violations of State Law, specifically 38 M.R.S. §413 (1) and 38 M.R.S. §414(5).
The DEP understands that SSOs happen, often frustratingly frequently, and if they are 1) reported promptly 2) not the result of obvious mismanagement or neglect, and 3) addressed quickly and appropriately, are not normally the cause of further compliance or enforcement actions. However, unreported or mismanaged SSOs have been the basis of many formal enforcement actions taken by the DEP in the past 10 years.
Bottom line… there are several types of illegal discharges that can occur from wastewater collection and treatment systems. These discharges can be caused by a variety of factors and can occur at any point in the system to land, water, public or private facilities. It is very important for any and all system managers and operators understand the requirement to report these incidents to the Department and do so even if they are unsure whether the discharge is actually and SSO. This can be determined best in consultation with your DEP Compliance Inspector during the initial call. Written “Discharge Incident Reports” should include the cause of the incident; the nature and volume of the discharge; the receiving water, land area or facility; site observations; the impacts to human health and the environment; facility response and corrective actions. A standard DEP form is available to list basic information, usually accompanied by a narrative report.
As noted above, SSO are required to be reported regardless for who is responsible for the part of the system that is the source of the SSO. This means that if a municipality (the MEPDES/WDL licensed entity) has assigned collection system management to the public works department, and wastewater facility management to the wastewater department, it is the responsibility of the municipality (the MEPDES/WDL licensed entity) to ensure both departments are aware of the MEPDES/WDL requirements and SSO are reported.
Thank you for your continued cooperation, and please call your DEP Compliance Inspector, if you have further questions or comments.
Spring is in the air, and with it many exciting training opportunities for water & wastewater professionals!
Is Your Facilities Ready for a DEP Inspection?
Join JETCC and Maine DEP staff for the training class, Preparing for an Inspection offered at three locations: May 5 in York, May 27 in Augusta, and May 29 in Bangor. The course is approved for 6 wastewater TCHs.
This no cost course (lunch is included!) is designed to demystify the inspection process and to build productive and collaborative relationships between Maine wastewater operators and DEP inspectors. The program aims to explain the objectives of the inspection process, review the permitting process and what is required for plants to meet standards set by DEP, and to provide best practices for operators in how and when to prepare for an inspection.
This course will include both classroom-style instruction and a locally hosted facilities tour to show what plant operators, managers, and DEP Inspectors look for before, during, and after an inspection, and to make sure that a plant is always ready for an inspection.
For more information and to register go to JETCC Training & Events • NEIWPCC.
Facility Planning: GIS, Asset Management, and Capital Planning
This course is offered on May 6 in Bangor and will cover topics to help you understand techniques to understand your system, manage your assets, and plan for capital improvements. The GIS section can help with tracking fieldwork with real-time data collection, analyzing system vulnerabilities, comparing with local run-off and hydrology, and prioritizing and managing assets for replacement.
Next, the asset management presentation will include a demonstration of a spreadsheet-based program that can assist system operators to determine the most effective allocation of funds for system maintenance.
The final section of the class will focus on how to get your rate funded capital approved by starting with the end in mind. This workshop will focus on developing risk-based capital improvement plans, relying upon the asset management approach to managing priorities, engage stakeholders and ultimately obtain their approval to fund these critical needs.
Register at Facility Planning: GIS, Asset Management, and Capital Planning - Bangor (J2602) (3 TCHs) (Reschedule) - NEIWPCC Training Registration.
NEWEA Spring Meeting May 17-20 in Falmouth, MA
NEWEA’s Spring Meeting & Exhibit will take place May 17-20, 2026 at the Sea Crest Resort in N. Falmouth, Massachusetts. This annual three-day technical meeting for water quality professionals in the clean water industry offers opportunities to:
- Network with colleagues
- Learn the latest trends in technical sessions
- See the latest technologies from exhibitors
- Earn Training Contact Hours (TCHs)
We expect about 300 engineers, consultants, scientists, operators, and students to join us for technical sessions, exhibit displays, networking opportunities, Operations Challenge and more.
NEWEA Spring Meeting & Exhibit - NEWEA - New England Water Environment Association.
See you there!
Financial Management for Water and Wastewater Utilities
The Environmental Finance Center is presenting Financial Management for Water and Wastewater Utilities at the University of Southern Maine, Wishcamper Center in Portland on May 28-29.
This No-Cost, 1.5 day in-person workshop is designed for operators, utility managers, and governing body members of water and wastewater utilities. This training incorporates sector-specific regulatory drivers, capital improvement planning, employing financial metrics to analyze utility health, evaluating effectiveness of certain rate structures, and a discussion of funding programs common to water and wastewater systems.
To register, go to ME Training | Financial Management for Water and Wastewater Utilities - Environmental Finance Center Network.
1. Facultative bacteria:
a. Are strict anaerobes
b. Thrive in low pH environments
c. Prefer thermophilic conditions
d. Can live in aerobic or anaerobic conditions
2. ____________________ removes Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
a. Biological
b. Aeration
c. Denitrification
d. Detention
e. Sedimentation
3. Inorganic materials include:
a. Sand, Grit, & Minerals
b. Sand, Grit, & Heavy Organics
c. Fats, Oils and Greases (FOG)
d. Plants and animal sources
4. If the flow to a treatment plant is 21 MGD, what is the average flow in gallons per minute?
a. 1,458
b. 5,833
c. 8,750
d. 14,583
e. 87,500
5. Your pump pumped for 24 hours and pumped 302,400 gallons. The capacity of the pump is:
A. 110 gpm
B. 200 gpm
C. 210 gpm
D. 310 gpm
6. A stabilization pond has a surface area of 8 acres and an average depth of 4 ft. If the average daily flow is 60,000 gpd. What is the detention time in days? ( 1 acre = 43,560 ft², 1 cubic foot = 7.48 gals)
A. 23.4 days
B. 43.35 days
C. 173.8 days
D. 330 days
Answers:
1. d.
2. e.
3. a.
4. d. 21,000,000 gal per day/1400 min/day = 14,583 gpm
5. c. 24 hours = 1 day = 1440 min
302,400 gal/1440 min = 210 gpm
6. c. Volume (gals) = surface area (acres) × 43,560 ft²/acre × depth (ft) × 7.48 gals/ft³ = 8 acres × 43,560 ft²/acre × 4 ft × 7.48 gal/ft³ = 10,426,522 gals
Detention time (days) = volume (gals) ÷ avg. daily flow (gpd) = 10,426,522 gals ÷ 60,000 gpd = 173.78 days
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