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LD 1604

An Act To Protect Groundwater And Surface Waters From Perfluoroalkyl And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances From Landfill Leachate

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Tipping

LD 1604 requires DEP action to monitor and limit PFAS in landfill leachate, guiding treatment, reporting, and permits to shield groundwater and public health.

Signed by Governor
#pfas #toxicchemicals #toxicsubstances
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Bill Summary · LD 1604

Summary — LD 1604

An Act To Protect Groundwater And Surface Waters From Perfluoroalkyl And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances From Landfill Leachate

Overview / Purpose

LD 1604 directs state action to reduce or prevent contamination of groundwater and surface waters by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that may be present in landfill leachate. The bill’s stated intent (from its title and legislative history) is to strengthen protections for water resources and public health by addressing PFAS risks associated with municipal and commercial landfills.

Status and Timeline

  • Introduced: April 10, 2025
  • Committee: Environment and Natural Resources
  • Committee Amendment: Committee Amendment “A” (S-128) was adopted in committee and by both chambers.
  • Legislature: Passed to be enacted (Senate and House concurrence) on May 27, 2025.
  • Governor: Signed by the Governor on May 30, 2025 — the bill is enacted.

Fiscal Impact

  • Fiscal notes (approved 05/13/25 and 05/22/25) estimate a minor cost increase to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
  • Any additional DEP costs are expected to be minor and absorbable within existing budgeted resources; the impact is described as “Minor cost increase - Other Special Revenue Funds.”

Key Provisions (Intent and Likely Effects)

The full bill text is not included in the materials provided. Based on the bill title and standard regulatory approaches to PFAS in landfill leachate, LD 1604 is intended to require or enable one or more of the following (readers should consult the enacted text for specifics):

  • Monitoring and testing: expanded or mandated sampling/analysis of landfill leachate for PFAS compounds and reporting of results to the Department of Environmental Protection.
  • Permit and operating requirements: inclusion of PFAS considerations in landfill operating permits, leachate management plans, and possibly landfill closure/post-closure requirements.
  • Leachate treatment and discharge standards: requirements or guidance for treatment of leachate containing PFAS prior to discharge to wastewater treatment plants or environment, or limits on discharges.
  • Data collection and public disclosure: requirements for recordkeeping, public reporting, or establishing a registry of PFAS detections associated with landfills.
  • DEP rulemaking or guidance authority: authorization for the DEP to adopt rules, issue technical guidance, or set numeric standards for PFAS in leachate, groundwater or surface waters.
  • Remediation/response actions: mechanisms to address contaminated groundwater or surface water resulting from landfill leachate PFAS releases.

Because Committee Amendment “A” (S-128) was adopted, provisions as enacted may differ from the bill as introduced; consult the final engrossed/enacted bill for exact requirements.

Who Is Affected

  • Department of Environmental Protection: implementation, monitoring, permitting and enforcement responsibilities; minor additional costs expected.
  • Landfill owners/operators (municipal and commercial): potential new monitoring, treatment, reporting, permitting or compliance obligations.
  • Wastewater treatment plants and municipalities: may be affected if leachate discharge practices or pretreatment requirements change.
  • Nearby communities and water users: potential benefit from improved protection of groundwater and surface waters.
  • Environmental and public health stakeholders: increased information, oversight and potential remediation activity related to PFAS contamination.

Recommended Next Steps / Where to Find the Enacted Text

To determine the precise requirements, compliance deadlines, and any exemptions or funding provisions, review the final enacted bill text and associated DEP guidance. The Maine Legislature’s website (bill lookup for LD 1604, 132nd Legislature) will provide the engrossed/enacted language and any associated rulemaking or implementation materials.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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