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July 13, 2017

DEP cites Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens contractors for violations

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection has cited contractors involved in the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens expansion project for four alleged violations.

The Boothbay Register reported the citation was sent to CMBG, construction manager Wright-Ryan Construction of Portland and site contractor Crooker Construction LLC of Topsham. 

The facility is in the midst of a 20-year master plan that includes construction of a new 22,000-square-foot glass conservatory, expanded gardens and year-round visitation. 

The DEP alleged the expansion failed to establish adequate erosion and sedimentary controls.

Executive Director Bill Cullina told the paper the extremely wet spring on the construction site made total compliance difficult, and added that most of the project is in compliance.

“We’ve only had a couple instances with a small amount of turbidity getting through the erosion control and everything else is flowing free and clear,” he said.

In 2016, Cullina told the Bangor Daily News that a study estimated the direct and indirect economic impact of the botanical gardens is $26 million annually. That number would increase to $75 million each year by the capital plan's completion. 

The DEP will continue to investigate the situation, which could include monetary penalties, according to the weekly newspaper.

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