BRUNSWICK, Maine — The Maine Department of Environmental Protection has issued a draft approval of a stormwater license for the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority’s proposed Amtrak layover facility.
“Based on the proposed project design and the department’s review … [the Department of Environmental Protection] finds that the proposed project will not adversely affect groundwater quantity or quality,” the Department of Environmental Protection said in a June 3 memorandum. “Therefore, the department approves the application of [the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority] to build a stormwater management system.”
The draft contains several conditions of approval, including a revised spill contingency plan, a dewatering plan, and retaining a third-party inspector.
The Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority wants to build the layover facility so it can keep Amtrak Downeaster trains overnight in Brunswick. Its plan is opposed by nearby residents, led by the Brunswick West Neighborhood Coalition, who claim the facility will increase air and groundwater pollution.
The Department of Environmental Protection approval of the stormwater permit is the final hurdle before the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority can begin construction.
Comments on the draft will be accepted until Wednesday, June 10, and the final license decision will be issued by June 17, the Department of Environmental Protection said.
Comments may be emailed to Bill.Bullard@maine.gov.