DEP records fewer penalties in 2010
The DEP found fewer violations of the state's environmental laws this year, most likely due to the poor economy.
The Department of Environmental Protection found 62 violations in the 2010 fiscal year ending June 30, compared with 83 in 2009, and consequently collected fewer penalties. Even though the department garnered only $470,281 in fines this year, less than half of the roughly $1 million it collected last year, the drop in funding won't have serious impacts, the Bangor Daily News reported. The DEP does not rely on the fines because of their relatively low amounts and annual fluctuations.
Peter Carney, DEP's director of procedures and enforcement, told the paper he suspects the economy dampened the number of construction projects, which typically generate the largest number of environmental violations in Maine. Additionally, he said, some larger manufacturers have reduced operations while others went bankrupt.
Go to the article from the Bangor Daily News>>
Most Recent
Most Recent
Comments