1. Establishment of a uniform standard for state regulatory review of the effects on groundwater withdrawal when such review is provided for under existing provisions of the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 12, chapter 206-A; Title 22, chapter 601; and Title 38, chapter 3, article 6;

2. Appropriate changes in administrative procedures and practices, including assessment of permit fees, under current law; and

3. Identification of proposed changes in state law appropriate and necessary to establish and implement a consistent, integrated and scientifically sound state policy regarding groundwater management for subsequent consideration by the Legislature.

Nothing in this Act expands or limits the activities currently subject to regulation under Title 12, chapter 206-A; Title 22, chapter 601; and Title 38, chapter 3, article 6.

SUMMARY

This bill directs the Department of Conservation, the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Health and Human Services, when permitting groundwater withdrawals, to consider the effect of the proposed withdrawal on water-related natural resources and existing uses and the effect when considered in combination with existing water withdrawals. It further directs those departments and the Maine Land Use Regulation Commission to develop consistent review criteria for groundwater withdrawal applications by January 1, 2006 and to submit a report to the Governor and Legislature summarizing this effort. The Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Health and Human Services, the Maine Land Use Regulation Commission and the Maine Geological Survey are directed to review application fees to ensure that they adequately reflect the true cost of review. The Land and Water Resources Council is directed to undertake a comprehensive study of state groundwater regulations. The purpose of the study is to identify any further changes in state law needed to ensure a consistent, integrated and scientifically sound state policy with regard to groundwater withdrawal. The Land and Water Resources Council will report its findings to the Legislature by January 15, 2007. Those agencies will adopt any major substantive rules recommended by the Land and Water Resources Council by March 15, 2007.