2015 Maine Revised Statutes
TITLE 17: CRIMES
Chapter 79: LITTERING AND DUMPING
§2253. Out-of-state waste matter

§2253. Out-of-state waste matter

As used in this section, "waste matter" means garbage, refuse, solid or liquid waste, ashes, rubbish, industrial and commercial waste, and all other refuse of every description, whether loose, in containers, compacted, baled, bundled or otherwise. [1969, c. 570, (NEW).]

No person, firm, corporation or other legal entity shall deposit, or cause or permit to be deposited, any waste matter in any structure or on any land within the State, which waste matter originated outside the State. [1969, c. 570, (NEW).]

Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the transportation of waste matter into the State for use as a raw material for the production of new commodities which are not waste matter as defined, or for use to produce energy for use or sale. [1975, c. 739, §2 (AMD).]

Whoever shall violate this section shall be punished by a fine of not less than $200 nor more than $2,000 for each violation. Each day that such violation continues or exists shall constitute a separate offense. [1969, c. 570, (NEW).]

The Superior Court, upon complaint of the Attorney General, the municipal officers of any municipality, or any local or state health officer, shall have jurisdiction to restrain or enjoin violations of this section, and to enter decrees requiring the removal from the State of waste matter deposited in violation of this section. In any such civil proceeding, neither an allegation nor proof of unavoidable or substantial and irreparable injury shall be required to obtain a temporary restraining order or injunction, nor shall bond be required of the plaintiff; and the burden of proof shall be on the defendant to show that the waste matter involved originated within the State. [1969, c. 570, (NEW).]

The Legislature finding that waste matter of the nature hereinafter described poses no threat to the environment of this State, the provisions of this section shall not be construed to prohibit persons, firms, corporations and other legal entities now or previously depositing waste matter on property within the State owned on January 1, 1970 by them, which waste matter originates from property owned by them adjacent to the border of the State, from continuing to so deposit waste matter of the same nature as has been so deposited; except that this provision shall not apply to solid waste after December 31, 1971. [1969, c. 570, (NEW).]

SECTION HISTORY

1969, c. 570, (NEW). 1975, c. 739, §2 (AMD).