Maine DEP opens Maine Turnpike Authority draft General Permit review period

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is soliciting public comments on a draft General Permit for the Maine Turnpike Authority (MTA), which would allow the authority to carry out construction projects under DEP oversight.

The General Permit is required for some projects under the state's Site Location of Development Act (Site Law), and all projects undertaken within the permit’s purview would be subject to both Site Law and the permit’s conditions, including considerations for public meetings and comments.

Under the proposed General Permit, the MTA will be forced to issue Notices of Intent (NOI) for each project it wishes to complete, which the DEP will authorize within 30 days barring any issues with the project plans. Authorizations granted by the DEP under the permit can be appealed with the Board of Environmental Protection. For projects requiring additional permits, the NOI review period will be aligned with the individual permit review period.

The DEP is accepting public comments by mail, email and fax until Feb. 10, and the draft permit is available for review online or in hard copy by request. Interested parties can also request a public hearing on the permit, or request that the Board of Environmental Protection take over the permitting process, until Feb. 1.