Maine Department of Environmental Protection

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is responsible for preventing, abating, and controlling the pollution of the air, water, and land and to preserve, and improve the natural environment of the state. The DEP is also directed to protect the public's right to use and enjoy the state's natural resources. Working with the general public, legislators, and state and municipal agencies, department staff implement environmental laws and programs that contribute to the achievement of this mission.

Many programs are of direct interest to the marine industry including the Maine Pumpout Grant Program and the No Discharge Area Program. The goal of these programs is to reduce the amount of vessel sewage that is discharged to Maine's waters by providing grant money to install and maintain boat holding tank pumpout stations, and by limiting the areas where boat sewage may be discharged.

In addition, the DEP provides technical assistance to boatyards and marinas to promote compliance with all environmental requirements and supports the Maine Clean Boatyards and Marinas program. Maine's marine industry, the DEP, and environmental groups work very hard to protect the pristine waters that boaters have come to expect in Maine.

For more information about DEP programs of interest to boaters go to: www.maine.gov/dep/blwq/topic/vessel/index.htm.

For information on the Maine Clean Boatyards and Marinas Program: www.mainemarinetrades.com/clean_marinas/default.asp

Click here to download a copy of the Pump Out Station Guide (PDF).