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MaineLD 401132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

An Act to Support Removal of Overboard Discharge Systems

Sponsored By: Allison Hepler (Democratic)

Became Law

WATER QUALITYWATER QUALITY - OVERBOARD DISCHARGES

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

More state grants to replace overboard discharges

The state pays part of removal and replacement costs based on income. For single‑family homes: 100% grant at 0–50% of state median income; 90% at 51–75%; 50% at 76–100%; 25% at 101–110%; 0% above 110%. For seasonal homes: 50% at 0–75%; 25% at 76–110%; 0% above 110%. For businesses: 50% at up to 150% of median; 25% at 151–250%; 0% above 250%. For overboard discharge replacement, a separate schedule applies: 100% at up to 100% of median; 90% at 101–150%; 50% at 151–200%; 25% at 201–250%; 0% above 250%. Publicly owned facilities get 50% up to $150,000. You can receive at most one grant per calendar year. Income uses last year’s federal return (owners summed; businesses add back depreciation and other noncash expenses). If a system serves many homes that are not commercially owned, the average income of all homes is used. Grants can also reimburse removals after September 30, 1989 when plans were pre‑approved, contamination was eliminated, and the owner, contractor, and local plumbing inspector certify completion. The state uses the most recent state median income from the State Economist or U.S. Census, whichever is lower.

Remove overboard discharge if sewer practicable

If connecting to a public sewer is practicable, you must remove the overboard discharge. This applies even when no state grant money is available. Owners face the removal and connection costs once sewer service is practicable.

DEP inspections and fee break for low-income

The department inspects all licensed overboard discharge systems and adds the inspection cost to your annual license fee. Residential owners with adjusted gross income under 50% of the state median get a 50% cut to their total fee. If you have a mechanical treatment system, you must show a private maintenance contract each year.

Transfer rules for overboard discharges, with waivers

Before you sell a property with an overboard discharge or start a significant project, you must have a licensed site evaluator document land‑based alternatives. If an alternative is found, you must install it within 180 days of the transfer or action; work can wait until soils allow, and businesses can ask for limited extensions. A primary‑home project is “significant” when its total cost is more than 100% of the state median income; accessibility work and some disaster rebuilds do not count. The evaluator must certify all options were reviewed, and the department can require a second review or ask you to evaluate spray irrigation. If the alternative qualifies for a state grant but no grant funds are available, you can delay installation until funds are available. If you are the buyer and your income is under 100% of the state median, the department must grant a waiver of the install rule when you apply to transfer the license.

More state help for municipal cleanup

The state can pay part of municipal or quasi‑municipal pollution‑abatement construction. It may cover up to 80% of costs, or up to 90% when the project costs $100,000 or less. The state may also provide its share to the Maine Municipal Bond Bank’s revolving loan fund.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Allison Hepler

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 44

    5/1/2026

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    4/23/2025Senate

  3. PASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    4/22/2025House

  4. Report READ and ACCEPTED, in concurrence.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-51) READ and ADOPTED, in concurrence.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (H-51), in concurrence.Ordered sent down forthwith.

    4/17/2025Senate

  5. CONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-51).Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    4/15/2025House

  6. Carried over, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.

    3/21/2025House

  7. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES in concurrence

    2/4/2025Senate

  8. Committee on Environment and Natural Resources suggested and ordered printed. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    2/4/2025House

Bill Text

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