Maine Oil Spill Advisory Committee News

The Maine Oil Spill Advisory Committee held a hearing to review proposed revisions to the state's regulations related to oil terminals and vessels transporting petroleum products. The proposed revisions contain several references to vessels transporting petroleum products on the state waterways. AWO's major objection to the Maine regulations relates to a proposed requirement that vessels stay 12 miles offshore, except when approaching Maine's ports. This requirement has been modified to read, "it is the express desire of the state for all vessels to remain 12 miles offshore, except when prudent navigation dictates otherwise."

The Maine Board of Environmental Protection (BEP) approved proposed Chapter 600 vessel operating regulations by a vote of five to one, with one abstention. Chapter 600 regulations address the operation of both oil terminal facilities and vessels transporting oil on state waterways. The regulations will be forwarded to the Attorney General for review and compliance with the state's Administrative Procedures Act. If the Attorney General approves the regulations, they will be sent to the Secretary of State's office for certification. Maine's Department of Environmental Protection, proponent of the regulations, asserted: the regulations will provide state representatives the opportunity to participate in oil spill prevention and response activities…