Code of Maine Rules
06 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
096 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION - GENERAL
Chapter 315 - ASSESSING AND MITIGATING IMPACTS TO EXISTING SCENIC AND AESTHETIC USES
Section 096-315-1 - Introduction

In the Natural Resources Protection Act (NRPA), 38 M.R.S.A. §§480-A through Z, the Legislature has found and declared that Maine's rivers and streams, great ponds, fragile mountain areas, freshwater wetlands, significant wildlife habitat, coastal wetlands, and sand dune systems are resources of state significance. Section 480-A states that these resources have great scenic beauty and unique characteristics, unsurpassed recreational, cultural, historical, and environmental value of present and future benefit to the citizens of the State and that uses are causing the rapid degradation and, in some cases, the destruction of these critical resources. The Legislature's recognition of the scenic beauty of these protected natural resources through statute distinguishes the visual quality of those resources and its value to the general population.

Applicants for permits under the NRPA are required to demonstrate that a proposed activity meets the standards of the NRPA that have been established by the Legislature. Standard 1 in Section 480-D of the NRPA requires an applicant to demonstrate that a proposed activity will not unreasonably interfere with existing scenic and aesthetic uses.