COVID-19

Bureau of Remediation and Waste Management

All online services continue to be available. Staff continue to provide services and are available via telephone and email.

Emergency Spill Response. DEP's Oil and Hazardous Materials Responders continue to respond to oil and hazardous materials incidents. To report an oil spill call (24 hours) 1-800-482-0777. To report a hazardous materials spill call (24 hours) 1-800-452-4664.

Executive Order 24, Regarding Recycling and Solid Waste Facility Operating Hours. Executive Order 24, dated March 26, 2020, allows the suspension of restrictions regarding operating days and times for solid waste facilities licensed under 38 M.R.S. § 1310-N. Facilities should work with their DEP project manager when modifying hours of operation in response to issues surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. Further, Executive Order 24 allows certain recyclable materials such as waste paper, waste plastics, waste wood, used motor vehicle tires or corrugated cardboard destined to a Maine waste-to-energy facility to constitute recycling for determining if annual recycling goals are met and for determining municipal progress towards recycling goals.

It remains essential for municipalities to facilitate the safe collection, handling, and management of waste materials throughout the period of the state of emergency related to COVID-19.  Executive Order 24 provides a means for municipalities to continue managing their communities’ waste materials in a manner that is consistent with the hierarchy for waste management in Maine law.

Plastic Bags. In light of concerns about the use of multi-use bags during the current COVID-19 public health crisis, the Legislature's response to those concerns in L.D. 2167, and effects on Department resources, the Department will not be enforcing the statewide restrictions on the use of single-use bags in 38 M.R.S. § 1611 until July 1, 2021. As of March 17, 2020, State law preempts municipal regulation of single use bags; no local ordinance requiring a fee for, or otherwise restricting the use of, single use bags is in effect.

Recycling Programs.  The Department continues to encourage municipalities to recycle during the Covid-19 pandemic, with adjustments as needed to ensure the health and safety of workers and citizens. As ecomaine noted in a recent press release, household recyclables placed by residents at their curb or transfer station are part of a global supply chain that depends on these recyclables to meet the demand of manufacturers making everyday products we all depend on, including toilet paper, paper towels, and packaging for groceries.

Municipalities are ultimately responsible for decisions regarding management of their solid waste, including any provisions for the separate management of recyclable materials and organic waste. During the Covid-19 pandemic, some municipalities may take steps deemed necessary to protect their residents and staff including temporary suspension of recycling programs.

Asbestos and Lead Abatement. Asbestos and lead abatement certifications and applications should continue to be submitted via email to alcertsapps.dep@maine.gov. Completed notification forms should continue to be submitted via email to alnotifications.dep@maine.gov. Asbestos and lead abatement certifications and applications will soon be accepted via a dedicated email address. Check back soon.

Submittal of Other License Applications. License applications can continue to be submitted and will be processed. This includes all BRWM-related applications. Please submit your application, along with a photocopy of the fee check, through our general application email at DEP.RemediationApplication@maine.gov. If a paper copy is required, you may drop off the application in the lobby of our Augusta office or send it via postal mail.

All necessary fees must be paid before the Department will consider determining that an application is complete for processing. Fees may be paid by check through regular mail with the paper copy of the application. You may also use a credit card to pay a fee by phone by contacting Gerry Travers at (207) 401-1616.

Other Contact Information: Please continue to call our offices with any questions and see our online Waste Management staff and Spills and Site Cleanup staff contact lists. For additional information not listed here, please contact David Burns or Victoria Eleftheriou.