Under the state’s Shoreland Zoning Statutes, the shoreland zone is generally defined as all areas located within 250 feet of rivers, lakes, ponds, some non-forested wetlands, coastal waters, and within seventy-five feet of some streams. However, each municipality adopts their own mapped shoreland zone area. To determine if a project is located in the shoreland zone and subject to law requirements, it is best to consult with the municipality where a project is located.

In order to provide sufficient time for all construction companies to comply with provisions of the law, the effective date of the certification requirement is January 1, 2013.

How do you comply?

Compliance to law requirements can be accomplished in two ways: Company personnel involved in supervising work in shoreland areas may become certified through the DEP’s contractor certification program. As an alternative, a company may choose to contract with a certified individual to supervise the company’s work in shoreland areas.

How do you become certified?

Certification is accomplished by attending a day-long training program in Erosion Control Practices sponsored by the DEP’s Nonpoint Source Training and Resource Center, and successfully completing a construction site evaluation. These courses are generally held from December through April each year. A listing of courses can be found on the DEP Website at maine.gov/dep/blwq/training/ schedule.htm or by calling the Center at 287-7726.  Also please see our Upcoming Workshops and Trainings link to the left for local listings.

Certification will entitle the holder to forgo the 14-day waiting period for Stream Crossing Projects under the Department's Permit-by-Rule program. It will also allow the holder to certify erosion control plans under the MPDES Construction Activity General Permit. Certification enables a contractor to advertise as a “DEP Certified Contractor,” and the Department maintains a list of certified contractors that is posted on the DEP web site. This list is available for distribution to the general public, state agencies and other

interested persons. All certified individuals can also obtain any publication from the Nonpoint Source Training and Resource Center Library at no charge and are eligible for discounts from four suppliers of erosion control products.

Under certain circumstances, certification can be revoked. Revocation is likely if a formal enforcement action is taken against a certified contractor whose failure to employ satisfactory erosion and sediment control practices results in sedimentation of waterbodies or wetlands. NOTE: Certification would not be revoked as a result of sedimentation resulting from unusual storm events, flooding or other conditions beyond the control of the contractor.