Code of Maine Rules
06 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
096 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION - GENERAL
Chapter 581 - REGULATIONS RELATING TO WATER QUALITY EVALUATIONS


Current through 2024-38, September 18, 2024

SUMMARY:These rules provide for the maintenance of stream and lake classifications without violations by computing capacity of the waters to break down waste and shows fish, wildlife, and organisms in the receiving waters to migrate both up and downstream in an undisturbed section of river adjacent to a waste discharge outfall. In addition, a scale of 0 to 100 is established in order to measure the trophic state or degree of enrichment of lakes due to nutrient input.

BASIS STATEMENT

These regulations provide the framework for more clearly and comprehensively defined water quality evaluation for both rivers and ponds and allows for optimum management of waters of the State. Sections 1, 2, and 5 define design flows and other requirements for rivers and streams to be used in waste discharge licensing procedures and have not been changed.

Section 6 has been changed to better define the new descriptive standards for classification of lakes and ponds contained in Maine's new Water Classification Program ( 38 MRSA Section465-A) .

Section 7, Stream Species Diversity Index is deleted since it is no longer used. New biological criteria are currently being developed and will be subject to future rulemaking.

AUTHORITY: 38 M.R.S.A., Section343-A and 465-A .

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Maine may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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