38 §410-F. Marine Environmental Monitoring Program

The Department of Environmental Protection in cooperation with the Department of Marine Resources shall establish the Marine Environmental Monitoring Program. The initial purpose of this program is to design a monitoring program to examine the extent and effect of industrial contaminants and pollutants on marine and estuarine ecosystems and to determine compliance with and attainment of water quality standards under article 4‑A . This study must include, but is not limited to: [PL 1991, c. 242, §4 (AMD).]

1. Sources. The sources, fates and biological availability of these contaminants; [PL 1987, c. 843, §1 (NEW).]

2. Impact. The impact of these contaminants on marine and estuarine biota; and [PL 1987, c. 843, §1 (NEW).]

3. Assessment. An assessment of the condition of marine and estuarine habitats. [PL 1987, c. 843, §1 (NEW).]

The commissioner shall establish a task force to coordinate the continuing activities of the monitoring program. The Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, the Commissioner of Environmental Protection, the Commissioner of Health and Human Services and the Commissioner of Marine Resources shall appoint representatives to serve as members of the task force. The task force shall address the identification and removal of sources of marine pollution. [PL 1991, c. 242, §4 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 689, Pt. B, §7 (REV); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §6 (REV).]