Maine § 156. - Complaint resolution

§ 156.. Complaint resolution

The commissioner shall investigate all complaints involving a farm, farm operation or agricultural composting operation, including, but not limited to, complaints involving the use of waste products, groundwater and surface water pollution and insect infestations. In cases of insect infestations not arising from agricultural activities, when the State Entomologist believes that the infestation is a public nuisance and is able to identify the source or sources of the infestation, the commissioner shall refer the matter to the Department of the Attorney General. If the commissioner finds upon investigation that the person responsible for the farm, farm operation or agricultural composting operation is using best management practices, the commissioner shall notify that person and the complainant of this finding in writing. Notwithstanding section 153, subsection 3, if the commissioner identifies the source or sources of the problem and finds that the problem is caused by the use of other than best management practices, the commissioner shall:   [PL 2007, c. 649, §3 (NEW).]

1.  Changes.  Determine the changes needed in the farm, farm operation or agricultural composting operation to comply with best management practices and prescribe site-specific best management practices for that farm, farm operation or agricultural composting operation;

2.  Advise person responsible.  Advise the person responsible for the farm, farm operation or agricultural composting operation of the changes, as determined in subsection 1, that are necessary to conform with best management practices and determine subsequently if those changes are implemented; and

3.  Findings.  Give the findings of the initial investigation and subsequent investigations and any determination of compliance to the complainant and person responsible.