Public Notice of Intent to File
Please take notice that the University of Maine, Office of Facilities Management, 5765 Service Building, Orono, Maine, 04469-5765, telephone number (207) 581-2624, intends to file an Air Emission License Application with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) pursuant to the provisions of 38 M.R.S., Section 590 on or about August 30, 2024. The application is for the construction and operation of the proposed University of Maine Energy Center (UMEC). The UMEC will be built as an addition adjacent to the south side of the University's existing central steam plant on College Avenue. The UMEC will include four steam-generating boilers and associated air emissions control equipment, a stationary emergency electric generator, and aboveground liquid fuel storage tanks. Each boiler will be capable of firing renewable liquid biofuels (to meet the University's greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals), natural gas, and #2 fuel oil. Once operational, UMEC will result in the permanent shutdown of the four existing fossil fuel fired boilers, while fully replacing the steam they produce to deliver thermal energy to the campus through an extensive underground piping system. The steam produced is used for heating and cooling of buildings, generating electricity, cooking, domestic hot water and for other campus processes. According to Department regulations, interested parties must be publicly notified, written comments invited, and if justified, an opportunity for public hearing given. A request for a public hearing must be received by the Department, in writing, no later than 20 days after the application is accepted by the Department as complete for processing.
The application and supporting documentation will be made available for review by contacting the DEP Bureau of Air Quality offices in Augusta, (207) 287-7688, during normal working hours. A copy of the application and supporting documentation may also be available at the municipal office in Orono, Maine.
Written public comments may be sent to Jane Gilbert at the Bureau of Air Quality, State House Station #17, Augusta, Maine, 04333.