O & M Newsletter headerEnviroNews banner: forest stream, lake cottage, landfill construction, autumn field, winter lakefront
*MARCH 2025*

In this issue:

* Maine DEP Updates Permit Application Forms. [ #link_1389912064779 ]
* Certification and Training Update. [ #link_1389912066563 ]
* Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Project Solicitation. [ #link_1389912068132 ]
* EPA Announces 2024 Regional Industrial Pretreatment Program Excellence Award. [ #link_1389912070779 ]
* DMR-QA 2025 Preview. [ #link_2 ]
* Cybersecurity Update – Defining Cybersecurity Policies & Regulatory Requirements. [ #link_1 ]
* For Practice. [ #link_1389912072571 ]

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Maine DEP Updates Permit Application Forms.

New Update image

The Maine DEP has updated the application forms used to apply for new and renewed Waste Discharge License (WDL) / Maine Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (MEPDES) Permit. A letter was sent to permittees on February 21, 2025, describing the updated form.

The new General Application form and instructions can be found at this link:

MAINE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION [ [link removed] ].

Here are highlights of changes:

*_Digital Submissions for Wastewater Applications_*

The Department is moving to digital submissions for wastewater applications via a designated DEP email site*.  _We no longer require permittees to send two print copies to the Department._  _However, please send one copy with the wet signature page(s) of your application to Maine DEP, 17 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333._*

*Please submit your entire application as a single pdf to **[email protected]* <[email protected]>*. * If you are unable to access email or lack the online capabilities to complete such a task, please let us know.

*_Application Form Submission Updates_*

*All permittees:* Complete *"Maine DEP Form DEPLW0105-B2003 General Application Form"* found at this link:*_  _*MAINE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION [ [link removed] ]__

Be sure to include in your submittal to MEDEP any additional forms specified on page 4 of the application form.

*POTWs*: POTWs must also submit *"EPA Form 2A for New and Existing Publicly Owned Treatment Works"*, which will temporarily replace the MEDEP Form DEPLW0106.  These forms can be found at:  NPDES Permitting Program: New and Existing Publicly Owned Treatment Works, Application Form 2A (epa.gov) [ [link removed] ]

*Additional information: *Facilities classified as “sludge only facility” that do not discharge to surface waters and “new or existing treatment works treating domestic sewage” also need to fill out EPA’s Form 2S: NPDES Permitting Program: New and Existing Treatment Works Treating Domestic Sewage, Application Form 2S (epa.gov) [ [link removed] ]

*CAFOs: *CAFOs must fill out *"EPA Form 1 – Application for NPDES Permit to Discharge Wastewater – General Information"*, *Maine's General application* and the *MEDEP CAFO form* found at these links: 


* NPDES Permitting Program: General Information, Application Form 1 (epa.gov) [ [link removed] ];
* MAINE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION [ [link removed] ]; and
* Microsoft Word - DEPLW0569 - CAFO and Livestock Operation Permit Application.doc (maine.gov) [ [link removed] ]__

*Note: Always follow MEDEP’s instructions when filling out forms!*

*_Signatory Policy Updates_*

MEDEP is updating our signatory policies to coincide with 40 CFR Part 122.22, as follows:


* All POTW applications must be signed by an elected Select Board Member, Town Manager or equivalent.
* All non-POTW applications must be signed by an owner, responsible corporate officer, or manager having the duty of making major capital investment recommendations and initiating and directing other comprehensive long-term environmental compliance measures.

More information on signatory requirements for different types of organizations can be found in "40 CFR § 122.22 Signatories to permit applications and reports."

For more information, contact Laura Crossley at [email protected].



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Certification and Training Update.

*March 1, 2025 Renewals Odd-Numbered Operator Certifications*

If your certification ends in an odd number, you will need to renew your certification by March 1, 2025.

You can renew online with a credit card at [link removed].

Not sure if you still need contact hours to renew? Scroll down the page to the blue tab, View TCH Summary, to check your continuing education hours, listed by certification number. This report is updated on the first business day of the month.

Contact Spring Connolly, [email protected] or call 207-253-8020 for questions.

*Save the Date for these Upcoming Events*


* *Environmental Finance Center (EFC) Free Training in Bangor-area*
* FREE Wastewater Process Control and Troubleshooting Training Class in Hampden on April 1 from 9AM-noon, 3 TCHS. Presented by the Environmental Finance Center.
* Press here to register [ [link removed] ]__

* *JETCC’s North Country Convention (NCC), April 2 & 3 in Presque Isle* __
* *Click here to register online.* [ [link removed] ]__

* NEWEA Spring Meeting - NEWEA Spring Meeting [ [link removed] ]. *May 11-14, 2025 in Portland*

*Registration is Open for the North Country Convention *

The North Country Convention (NCC) is coming back to Northern Maine Community College (NMCC) in Presque Isle. NCC is a two-day educational event and trade show designed for wastewater and drinking water operators. It is held biennially in Presque Isle, Maine, and is organized by NEIWPCC-JETCC.

This conference is held in “The County” to complement similar annual events offered by the Maine Water Environment Association (MeWEA) and the Maine Water Utilities Association (MWUA). Since those events generally take place in the southern region of the state, the NCC is designed to bring the benefits of those events to the people of northern Maine. 

The convention features a variety of technical sessions, exhibitor interaction, luncheon speakers, and opportunities to network with others. Water and wastewater operators receive up to six training contact hours (TCHs) for each day attended. Participation in the entire conference offers 12 hours of TCHs.

*Click here to register online.* [ [link removed] ]

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Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Project Solicitation.

The CWSRF program will send out an email in March to municipalities, districts, and engineers, soliciting projects to be funded through the CWSRF program. Solicitation has two purposes. First, we must demonstrate to EPA that the State has compiled a list of projects which support the need for the CWSRF federal capitalization grant. Second, we need to rank the projects to determine which ones will receive loan principal forgiveness and, if so, how much.

Federal law and appropriations govern how much funding the CWSRF programs receive and may offer, if any, in the form of “additional subsidies” to borrowers. Maine allocates its additional subsidies to borrowers in the form of loan principal forgiveness (PF). Congress is currently deliberating on a final federal budget so states have not yet been notified what their capital grant will be for 2025.

We anticipate Maine’s supplemental CWSRF funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) to be approximately $19M for 2025.  Between the CWSRF base, BIL Supplemental, BIL Emerging Contaminant, and repayments that come back into the program for reuse, we will have an estimated $56M in available funds, of which an estimated $12M will be in the form of principal forgiveness and/or grants. As in previous years, the PF will go to projects that have the greatest environmental benefit and where the applicant would experience significant financial hardship if additional subsidies were not provided.

In 2025, we also intend to offer PF funding for:


* Fiscal Sustainability Plan (FSP) - up to $50,000 for the development and implementation of a FSP or the improvement to an existing FSP. (Requires a 100% match from the applicant). __
* Climate Adaptation Plan (CAP) - up to $25,000 for the development of a Climate Adaptation Plan (CAP) (No match required). __
* Stormwater /Nonpoint Source (SW/NPS) Plans - _new this year, we will offer up to $50,000 per applicant in PF for funding assistance to develop a SW/NPS (match required)._

*Please monitor your email inbox for the letter of solicitation coming out in March. *Applications must be submitted to [email protected] by *5:00 p.m., April 18th, 2025*.

For more information or questions , please visit the CWSRF webpage for the announcement letter, application forms, and supporting documents at SRF Loan Fund, Maine Department of Environmental Protection [ [link removed] ]. For more information or questions, please email, [email protected].

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EPA Announces 2024 Regional Industrial Pretreatment Program Excellence Award.

image with stars and the word congratulations

Congratulations are in order for Theresa Tucker of the York Sewer District, recipient of the EPA Regional Industrial Pretreatment Program Excellence Award. The award was established to recognize and honor employees of publicly owned wastewater treatment plants for their commitment to improving water quality through outstanding oversight of its industrial users discharging to the municipal sewer system.

Theresa is being honored for her exceptional work inspecting, permitting, and sampling industrial users that discharge industrial waste into the collection system. The district was one of only two in New England to receive this award.

Theresa is currently serving as President of the Maine Water Environment Association (MEWEA) and has received numerous awards for her dedication to water quality issues, including the New England Water Environment Association (NEWEA) Operator Award and Youth Educator Award.

Thank you, Theresa, for your hard work keeping our water clean.



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DMR-QA 2025 Preview.

The official announcement of the opening date for the 2025 DMR-QA study has not been announced. Based on previous years we expect the opening date to be in May or June. All facilities that are enrolled in the DMR-QA program should receive an email from EPA at that time announcing the opening of the study, along with an announcement letter. Please review that letter carefully as it contains important forms that must be filled out along with due dates for results.

If your facility is enrolled in the DMR-QA program and does not receive the announcement letter by the end of June contact the Maine DEP NetDMR coordinator to get a copy.

If you have any questions or need to update your contact information, please contact Brett Goodrich at [email protected] or call 207-450-5590.

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Cybersecurity Update – Defining Cybersecurity Policies & Regulatory Requirements.

Last month this column explored the importance of developing an inventory of control system devices, both software and hardware assets, that are connected to networks outside the water/wastewater system. Any connections, such as SCADA, PLCs and other control systems that have web-facing connections are potentially vulnerable to cybersecurity breaches.

This month’s article will focus on the importance of including executives (e.g. trustees, directors) in the development of cybersecurity policy.

Despite the ever-increasing number of cyber threats and the far-reaching effects cyber-attacks can have, researchers have found that organizational leaders are often unaware of cybersecurity threats and needs. When questioned following an incident, cyber-attack victim organizations realized, “how crucial strong, consistent communication is in the wake of major breaches,” given the calls for timely information and the speculation that will arise when it is not provided.

It’s important to establish internal policies that can help your organization protect its assets from cyber-attacks and respond in a coordinated fashion if they do occur. Corporate security policy can reduce vulnerabilities by mandating conduct such as password usage and maintenance or requirements for connecting personal devices to Operational Technology (OT).

Items to consider when establishing cybersecurity policy & procedures include:


* What are the legal and regulatory requirements for cybersecurity?
* Are organizational information security policies established?
* Are information security roles and responsibilities established?
* Is there an assigned Cybersecurity Officer?
* Are cybersecurity roles and responsibilities of employees identified?
* Is there a written Cybersecurity Policy for all staff at the wastewater facility?
* Is there a written Cybersecurity Policy for outside entities (e.g. vendors, contractors/service providers, etc.)?
* Are mobile devices (e.g. laptops, tablets, smartphones), used to access or control Process Control Systems (i.e. SCADA, PLCs) included in established Cybersecurity Policies?
* Is there a company policy addressing employees’ uses of personal electronic devices (Bring Your Own Device - BYOD) for work purposes?
* Are there established BYOD security measures (e.g. policies, contracts) that address uses of personal electronic devices by contractors and independent agents?
* Are there written policies for removing or permanently destroying any stored data when removing devices from service for all devices with memory capabilities (e.g. laptops, multi-function printers, cell phones, etc.)?
* Are there policies for onboarding new employees and removing access when employees leave the organization?

While many cybersecurity practices to protect your organization do include financial expenditures, such as keeping software and hardware up to date, applying patches, performing 3rd party vulnerability assessment, etc., many methods of protection are “people-driven” and can be implemented through policy, training, and awareness.

For more information about protecting water/wastewater cyber-assets, visit Water and Wastewater Cybersecurity | CISA [ [link removed] ].

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For Practice.

1. A milliliter is

a. 1/1000 of a liter
b. 1000 liters
c. A million liters
d. About an ounce

2. An Imhoff cone is used to measure

a. pH
b. chlorine residual
c. settleable solids
d. total solids

3. The COD test is a measure of

a. Concentrated Oxygen Demand
b. Chemical ODOR Demand
c. Clinical Oxygen dosage
d. Chemical Oxygen Demand

4. To transfer wastewater or strong chemicals during lab testing, it is good practice to use a

a. Beaker
b. Flask
c. Stopper
d. Pipette and rubber bulb

5. Which of these equations is correct? Note: SS = Settleable Solids, TSS = Total Suspended Solids

a. Dissolved + Total solids = SS
b. TSS + Dissolved solids = Total Solids
c. SS + Total solids = Dissolved solids
d. Total Suspended Solids = SS

6. How much does 23.5 gallons of water weigh?

a. 176 lbs
b. 188 lbs
c. 196 lbs
d. 210 lbs

*Answers:*

1. a. 1/1000 of a liter.
2. c. settleable solids
3. d. Chemical Oxygen Demand
4. d. Pipette and rubber ball.
5. b. TSS + Dissolved solids = Total Solids
6. c. 23.5 gal X 8.34 lb/gal = 196 lbs.

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