The Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT) has proposed creating an Umbrella Wetland Mitigation Bank on Sears Island.  This proposal is being reviewed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the agency that oversees federal wetland laws.  If approved by the Corps, MDOT would be able to fill wetlands far more easily than the Clean Water Act anticipated.  Of particular concern, the protected part of  Sears Island is proposed to the Corps as "credits" to mitigate wetland alteration or destruction elsewhere by MDOT projects.  All proposals to the Corps must adhere to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and are open for public comment and involvement.

The MDOT mitigation proposal fails to (1) provide specific required information, (2) demonstrate MDOT qualifications as a bank sponsor and (3) substantiate the claim that the bank would provide appropriate compensatory mitigation.  The proposal should therefore be rejected.

Read the Public Notice