The department shall consult with state and federal agencies as well as representatives of interested stakeholder groups, including business and environmental groups and the Maine Municipal Association, when developing these recommendations. The Joint Standing Committee on Natural Resources may report out legislation based on the recommendations related to storm water management to the Second Regular Session of the 121st Legislature.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this Act takes effect when approved.

SUMMARY

This bill amends Maine's storm water management law to extend the review period for applicants proposing solely vegetative means to control storm water from 30 to 45 calendar days and the review period for applicants proposing to use structural means from 60 to 90 days.

This bill allows the discharge of storm water to waters having a drainage area of less than 10 square miles if the discharge is in conformance with state and local requirements.

It provides that certain discharge limitations do not apply to the discharge of storm water.

It provides that storm water discharges to Class A waters must be in compliance with state and local requirements.

It changes the allocation of the law prohibiting the placement of materials on the banks of Class A waters in any manner so that the transfer of pollutants into the waters is likely.

The bill requires the Department of Environmental Protection to report to the Joint Standing Committee on Natural Resources by February 1, 2004. The report must include recommendations for improving the effectiveness of storm water management in this State and include rules provisionally adopted pursuant to the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 38, sections 413 and 420-D that regulate storm water discharges to impaired waters from existing development where necessary to allow restoration of water quality and from new development both during and after construction. The