Sec. 1. 38 MRSA §410-N, sub-§3, ¶A, as amended by PL 2001, c. 232, §8, is further amended to read:

A. The Prior to the development and implementation of a comprehensive eradication plan pursuant to paragraph C, the department or a person designated by the department may shall attempt eradication of an invasive aquatic plant from a water body if determined feasible by the department. If the commissioner determines that eradication activities must be undertaken immediately, a license is not required under section 480-C for the use of a physical, chemical or biological control material by the department or a person designated by the department if the use of the control material is specifically related to the immediate eradication of invasive aquatic plant populations in the water body. Prior to undertaking an eradication activity and to the extent practical, the department shall notify landowners whose property is adjacent to the area where the activity will be undertaken.

Sec. 2. 38 MRSA §410-N, sub-§3, ¶C is enacted to read:

C.__The department shall develop and implement a comprehensive plan for the eradication of invasive aquatic plants.__Nothing in this paragraph prohibits the department from undertaking temporary efforts to eradicate invasive aquatic plants pursuant to paragraph A prior to the completion of the comprehensive plan required under this paragraph.

SUMMARY

This bill requires the Department of Environmental Protection to develop and implement a comprehensive plan for the eradication of invasive aquatic plants. The bill also requires the department to attempt eradication of invasive aquatic plants prior to the completion of the comprehensive plan.