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December 8, 2011

DEP reorganization proposed

Maine Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Pattie Aho has unveiled a major reorganization of the bureau planned for next year that she says will enhance its effectiveness and create efficiencies. But the Natural Resources Council of Maine is opposing the changes, saying they will detract from the department's work.

In an address at the Maine State Chamber's Environmental Issues Symposium in South Portland yesterday, Aho detailed a plan to restructure the DEP's existing three bureaus around function rather than environmental type, according to a press release. The three bureaus are currently Air Quality, Land & Water Quality and Remediation and Waste Management, but would be reorganized around the functions of resource protection, environmental assessment and resource administration. According to the DEP, restructuring would improve both internal and external communication and streamline its work. For example, procedures for permitting and inspections are currently specific to each bureau, but would be consolidated under the new structure. No immediate layoffs are expected as a result of the restructuring.

The NRCM, however, said the reorganization "could be an administrative nightmare that wastes money and staff productivity," and urged the DEP to preserve its structure that is similar to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The proposal needs legislative approval.

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