S.P. 776 - L.D. 2103
An Act to Improve the Efficiency of the Maine Public Drinking Water Control Program
Emergency preamble. Whereas, Acts of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas, the United States Environmental Protection Agency delegates its authority to the State of Maine to administer the federal Safe Drinking Water Act through an arrangement known as "primacy" on the condition that the State fulfill certain requirements; and
Whereas, the State of Maine administers the federal Safe Drinking Water Act through the Maine Public Drinking Water Control Program within the Department of Human Services; and
Whereas, since 1993, the United States Environmental Protection Agency has found in each of its annual evaluations of the program that program management failed to develop an effective organizational structure and to appropriately define staff responsibilities; and
Whereas, in 1997, not only did the Maine Public Drinking Water Commission find that the program suffered from poor management and administration, but also the United States Environmental Protection Agency informed the program that, until its staffing and management problems were resolved, the United States Environmental Protection Agency would not release to the State any federal funds through the Safe Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund; and
Whereas, many water systems in the State are dependent on the Safe Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund to finance water system improvement projects needed to comply with the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and thereby protect public health; and
Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
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