Lake Stormwater Phosphorus Compensation Fee Program
This grant funds targeted projects that reduce phosphorus runoff in Maine lake watersheds, supporting long-term improvements in water quality through science-based stormwater management.
Funder: Maine Department of Environmental Protection
Due Dates: January 31, 2027 (Annual Report due by Stormwater Administrators)
Funding Amounts: Compensation fees: $25,000 per pound (≥60% reduction) or $12,500 per pound (≥75% reduction) phosphorus export; funds are used for watershed projects and administrative costs (up to 15%).
Summary: Enables eligible development projects in Maine lake watersheds to meet phosphorus reduction requirements by paying compensation fees that fund targeted stormwater mitigation projects.
Key Information: Only projects in eligible lake watersheds and meeting minimum on-site phosphorus reduction (≥60%) qualify.
Description
This program allows developers of projects located in eligible Maine lake watersheds—subject to the Maine Stormwater Management Law—to pay a stormwater phosphorus compensation fee in lieu of meeting all on-site phosphorus reduction requirements. Fees are paid into a dedicated watershed fund and used by authorized local Stormwater Administrators to implement projects that reduce phosphorus export from existing high-export land uses, thereby improving lake water quality. The program is designed to efficiently target and reduce phosphorus runoff, leveraging local expertise and prioritizing impactful mitigation activities.
