PLEASE NOTE: Legislative Information cannot perform research, provide legal advice, or interpret Maine law. For legal assistance, please contact a qualified attorney.
An Act To Reduce Watercraft Noise Levels on Lakes
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 12 MRSA §13068-A, sub-§10, ¶A,  as enacted by PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §380 and affected by §422, is amended to read:
 
A.  A person may not operate a motorboat in such a manner as to exceed:
 
(1) A noise level of 9085 decibels when subjected to a stationary sound level test with and without cutouts engaged and as prescribed by the commissioner; or
 
(2) A noise level of 7570 decibels when subjected to an operational test measured with and without cutouts engaged and as prescribed by the commissioner.
Sec. 2. 12 MRSA §13070, sub-§7, ¶B,  as affected by PL 2003, c. 614, §9 and amended by c. 655, Pt. B, §382 and affected by §422, is further amended to read:
 
B.  A person may not operate an airmobile in such a manner as to exceed:
 
(1) A noise level of 9085 decibels when subjected to a stationary sound level test with and without cutouts engaged and as prescribed by the commissioner; or
 
(2) A noise level of 7570 decibels when subjected to an operational test measured with and without cutouts engaged and as prescribed by the commissioner.
 
SUMMARY
This bill reduces the permissible stationary sound level of watercraft and airmobiles from 90 decibels to 85 decibels and permissible operational sound level from 75 decibels to 70 decibels.