Title

Article on the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), questioning t

Authors

Alex Irvine

Source

Portland Phoenix

Date

7-16-2004

Pages

1, 12-13

Abstract

Article on the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), questioning the agency's poor enforcement record, and noting that the DEP has become more business-friendly and less transparent in its decision-making. The Environmental Protection Agency's Environmental History and Compliance Online (ECHO) database, shows that of 142 major permit holders in the state in violation of their permits, only 19 have had enforcement actions taken by the DEP. Dawn Gallagher, DEP commissioner, attributes the poor record to understaffing and underfunding at the agency, and points to recent environmental successes. Naomi Schalit of Maine Rivers, along with other environmental groups, contends that the DEP feels its main role is to promote economic activity without regard to environmental consequence. Details.

Subjects

Maine Department of Environmental Protection

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