Assistance

Certify your business as an Environmental Leader

Find out how, call the assistance hotline at 1-800-789-9802 or visit our Environmental Leader page.

New - Requirements for Facilities Converting from Oil to LNG/CNG

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection's assistance staff serves as a centralized, confidential and cost-free resource for those in need of assistance and advocacy in navigating department-enforced laws, rules and regulations. The staff can be contacted via a toll-free Assistance Hotline at 1-800-789-9802, set-up as part of the DEP’s initiative to improve Maine’s regulatory climate and create a stronger culture of cooperation between state government and Maine people and businesses.

Maine DEP's Small Businesses Ombudsman, serves specifically as an advocate for businesses, and is available to travel statewide to offer the following assistance services:

  • Permitting guidance including step-by-step walk through of the necessary components of applicable permits and  assistance with completing permit forms;
  • Reviewing what regulations apply to a specific business based on their operations;
  • Providing plain language guides for businesses to check their compliance status;
  • Providing on-site compliance assistance;
  • Providing compliance educational workshops for businesses;
  • Connecting businesses with financial assistance;
  • Authorizing an internal audit policy to help businesses come into compliance without fear of penalties or fines;
  • Helping companies recognize and quantify economic savings through their environmental and energy reductions;
  • Connecting businesses with partnering state and local economic development and businesses planning experts;
  • Recognizing businesses through the Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence;
  • Connecting businesses with innovative technologies through universities and business mentors; 
  • Helping businesses be recognized as Environmental Leaders through a self-certification process;
  • Connecting businesses with energy efficiency opportunities;
  • Assisting businesses implement pollution prevention (P2) processes; and
  • Facilitating and guiding businesses in Environmental Management Systems (EMS) and Lean processes.

Other department assistance programs

Brownfields. Assistance is available to Municipalities and Non-profit groups through the Brownfields Program for conducting Environmental Site Assessments and Remedial Actions at qualified sites. A Brownfield is a site where redevelopment is impeded by contamination or the potential for contamination

Grants and Loans. Assistance in the form of grants or loans may be available through specific programs throughout the department.

Nonpoint Source Training and Resource Center. The NPS Training Center (1) develops and implements training workshops; (2) develops and maintains various publications and a video lending library; and (3) acts as a clearinghouse for NPS and best management practices (BMP) information