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Show 364 MAINE ment of water use benefits have been matters for judicial decision under the principles of the riparian rights doctrine. 2.3 Other Agencies Having Water Resource Responsibilities a. WATER QUALITY CONTROL Water quality regulation is the responsibility of the Board of environmental protection, an agency which exists within the depart- ment of environmental protection.5 This agency has the duty to con- trol, abate, and prevent the pollution of the air, water, and coastal flats, and to prevent diminution of the natural environment of the State. The board is authorized to consult with and advise municipali- ties, persons, and businesses having, or about to have, drainage, sewerage, or industrial waste problems, and to recommend the best methods of waste disposal and pollution control. The board is the agency designated by the State to accept Federal funds for water pollution control.6 Standards for classification are provided in the act and the board is authorized to classify both the fresh waters and the tidal waters of the State.7 The classification which has been assigned various streams by the board must be approved by the legislature before they take effect.8 No waste from any manufacturing, processing, or industrial plant or any sewage which would constitute a new source of pollution can be discharged into any stream, river, pond, lake, or tidal water, whether classified or unclassified, without first obtaining a license from the Board.9 Procedures and conditions for obtaining licenses are specified in the act.10 Grants to aid in the construction of treatment facilities and to assist in the planning of treatment facilities by local entities are pro- vided for in the act.11 Eecent amendments prohibit the discharge of certain specific wastes into the waters of the State, including certain chemical cleaning agents;12 provide for the regulation of waste dis- charges from watercraft;13 and authorize regulation of dredging activities by the board.14 Enforcement of the act can be accomplished through administra- tive hearings and the issuance of orders by the board,15 and civil and criminal penalties are provided for violations.16 Very recent legisla- tion seeks to protect the seacoast waters, and related industrial and recreational facilities, by imposing regulations on transportation of oil to prevent spills and accidental discharges.17 Maine has also entered into an interstate compact with adjoining States in order to achieve more effective interstate water pollution control.18 5 38 M.R.S.A., sees. 341 to 361. • 38 M.R.S.A., sees. 361, 362. i 38 M.R.S.A., sees. 363, 364. 8 38 M.R.S.A., sees. 365, 368, 369. » 38 M.R.S.A., sec. 413. 10 38 M.R.S.A., sec. 413. 11 38 M.R.S.A., sees. 411, 412. M 38 M.R.S.A., sees. 416, 417, 419, 420. 13 38 M.R.S.A., sec. 422. M 38 M.R.S.A., sec. 422. 15 38 M.R.S.A., sees. 451, 452. 18 38 M.R.S.A., sees. 453, 454. ir 38 M.R.S.A., sees. 491 et seq. 18 38 M.R.S.A., sees. 491 et seq. |