Bill Introduced in Maine to Promote Safe Disposal of Used Flares

Maine state representative Joyce “Jay” McCreight introduced an act, LD 430, the Safe Disposal of Expired Marine Flares Act, to establish and promote a system of safe disposal for expired marine flares in the state of Maine.

Due to the mandated 42-month expiration date (from date of manufacture), flares must be replaced after about three seasons of boating. However, there is not a system that provides a safe place to dispose of flares nor a place that can safely accept the outdated flares. The old flares become a storage hazard to boat owners. In normal operation, flares can burn as high as 2,900 F, and they commonly contain perchlorates that are a groundwater contaminant and health hazard.

“If passed, the act would make Maine a national leader on an issue that has vexed boaters, government and environmental advocates for decades,” said BoatUS Manager of Government Affairs David Kennedy. “It solves the huge dilemma of how to safely dispose of these hazardous materials. We applaud Rep. McCreight for this smart solution and urge the Maine Legislature to move it forward to final passage.”

The act would employ, on a voluntary basis, a network of local fire departments, marinas and municipalities, as well as groups that organize flare-disposal events to become collection points for the “timely pickup of the collected expired marine flares.” It would also provide guidance on short-term storage of flares, develop a statewide education campaign, and require nonpolluting disposal of “all types of expired marine flares.” The program would be available to recreational and commercial vessel operators.

Although the current Maine legislative session runs until mid-June, this legislation could come up for a vote in the next few weeks. Maine boaters are encouraged to contact their state representatives to support the bill.