Maine Citizens' Handbook On Coastal Water Quality Enforcement

"This handbook describes Maine's state, local and federal laws that apply to the chief sources of coastal water pollution: (1) point source pollution--pollution discharged from pipes which require state and federal permits; (2) nonpoint source pollution- -generally unregulated runoff from agricultural operations and urban land uses, timber harvesting (silviculture) and construction activities; (3) the dredging, filling and degradation of wetlands; and (4) discharges from vessels-- including oil pollution, ocean dumping, discharges from marine sanitation devices, and discarded plastic and non-plastic garbage. Each area of the law has its own unique legal approaches and pitfalls. The legal standards and penalties established by coastal water quality laws, and how citizens can better participate in the implementation and enforcement of these laws are described here. A list of environmental organizations that have the legal expertise to assist individuals and groups that wish to undertake a more active legal role in the enforcement of environmental laws is included"--National Sea Grant Library publication website. Funding: NOAA; grant number: NA16RG0157-01;