Code of Maine Rules
06 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
096 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION - GENERAL
Chapter 420 - SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT RULES: SEPTAGE MANAGEMENT RULES
Section 096-420-11 - Siting Requirements for Septage Storage Facilities
Current through 2024-38, September 18, 2024
Septage storage facilities must meet the criteria of this section.
A. Sand and Gravel Aquifer. A storage facility may not overlie a significant sand and gravel aquifer.
B. Water Table. A minimum of fifteen (15) inches must be maintained between the seasonal high water table and the base of the storage facility.
C. Floodplains. A storage facility may not be located on a 100-year floodplain. No variances to this requirement will be granted.
D. Buffer Zones. The boundary of the septage handling area of a storage facility must comply with the minimum distance requirements as specified in Table 2. The Department may specify that buffer zones be increased as necessary, depending on site conditions, to reduce off-site odors, prevent runoff, prevent groundwater contamination, and prevent other environmental or health impacts.
TABLE 2
MINIMUM BUFFER ZONES
FOR SEPTAGE STORAGE FACILITIES
| Type of Feature | Distance in Feet From Septage handling area of the Storage Facility to Feature |
| Public Well | 500 |
| Private Well | 300 |
| Property Line | 100 |
| Dwelling/Occupied Building | 300 |
| Public Road | 100 |
| Perennial Waterbody/Watercourse | 300 |
| Intermittent Stream or Brook | 100 |
| Waterway and Constructed Drainage Ditch | 25 |
E. Minimum Depth to Bedrock. A minimum of twenty-four (24) inches must be maintained between bedrock and the base of the storage facility.
F. Endangered Species. Septage may not be stored if the storage of septage will adversely affect a threatened or endangered species, or if it will adversely affect the species' designated critical or essential habitat. The Department finds that this requirement is met if septage storage is to occur at an existing, active agricultural site.
