130th MAINE LEGISLATURE
LD 1600 LR 1114(02)
An Act To Investigate Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Contamination of Land and Groundwater
Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment " "
Committee: Environment and Natural Resources
Fiscal Note Required: Yes
             
Fiscal Note
FY 2021-22 FY 2022-23 Projections  FY 2023-24 Projections  FY 2024-25
Net Cost (Savings)
General Fund $1,140,060 $1,547,039 $1,231,599 $1,103,432
Appropriations/Allocations
General Fund $1,140,060 $1,547,039 $1,231,599 $1,103,432
Other Special Revenue Funds $1,800,000 $3,600,000 $3,600,000 $3,600,000
Revenue
Other Special Revenue Funds $1,800,000 $3,600,000 $3,600,000 $3,600,000
Fiscal Detail and Notes
This bill establishes the Land Application Contaminant Monitoring (LACM) Fund within the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). It also creates an annual fee of $10 per ton on the handling of septage or sludge and directs the revenue from these fees into the LACM Fund to test, monitor and mitigate soil and groundwater for PFAS and other contaminants. The bill also directs the DEP to establish a testing program for locations with land applications of sludge or septage for PFAS and other substances contamination.  
The DEP has indicated that the programming requirements of this bill will require additional staff and resources. The bill includes ongoing appropriations of $1,140,060 beginning in fiscal year 2021-22 for 4 limited-period and 2 permanent Geology Technician II positions, 2 Planning & Research Associate II positions, one Environmental Engineer position, one Environmental Specialist II position, one limited-period and 2 permanent Environmental Specialist III positions, one Chemist I position, one limited-period GIS Coordinator position, one Certified Environmental Hydrogeologist position and one Public Service Coordinator I position and funding for related All Other costs.
The DEP estimates that the septage and sludge handling fee will result in annual Other Special Revenue Funds revenue of $1,800,000 in fiscal year 2021-22 and $3,600,000 in fiscal 2022-23. The bill includes an accompanying allocation to the LACM to allow expenditure of the additional revenue.