Compliance Assistance and Pollution Prevention in New England

Maine

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection is currently involved in a number of programs related to the operation of auto recycling facilities. In addition to the Department's outreach efforts to improve environmental compliance at these facilities, it is administering the "first-in-the-nation legislation" requiring the proper removal and reclamation of mercury switches from automobiles by auto recycling facilities, and encouraging compliance in part through a bounty financed by the automobile manufacturers. The bounty for the switches is $4 with the VIN.

State law also requires that all fluids, refrigerants, batteries and mercury switches must be removed from motor vehicles that lack engines or other parts that render the vehicles incapable of being driven under their own motor power or that are otherwise incapable of being driven under their own motor power, appliances and other items within 180 days of acquisition. Motor vehicles, appliances and other items acquired by and on the premises of a junkyard or automobile graveyard prior to October 1, 2005 must have all fluids, refrigerant, batteries and mercury switches removed by January 1, 2007. The law states that such fluids must be removed to the greatest extent practicable.

The Department is also working with operators of sweat furnaces to help them understand the federal requirements for secondary aluminum production facilities.

The Department conducts workshops, provides technical assistance and compliance assistance outreach through informational mailings and web site for auto recyclers. For additional information visit www.maine.gov/dep/rwm/motorvehiclerecycling/ or you may contact the Department of Environmental Protection:

Bureau of Remediation and Waste Management
W. David McCaskill, P.E. (David.McCaskill@maine.gov)
Technical Assistance Unit
207-287-7056

Bureau of Remediation and Waste Management- Mercury Switch Removal
Enid Mitnik (Enid.Mitnik@maine.gov)
207-287-8556

Bureau of Air Quality - Sweat Furnace Operations
Lisa Higgins (Lisa.Higgins@maine.gov)
207-287-7023

Bureau of Land and Water Quality - Storm Water Permits
David Ladd (David.Ladd@maine.gov)
207-287-5404

Office of Innovation and Assistance
Small Business Assistance Program
Roy Krout (Roy.T.Krout@maine.gov)
207-287-8550

Auto recycling facilities are licensed by the local cities and towns and the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
207-624-9000 x52143

Check your local authority for further information.