AUGUSTA – Gov. John E. Baldacci today signed two bills strengthening blasting regulations around quarries, gravel pits and the Kennebec River. The bills were sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Elizabeth Mitchell.

“These bills combined will go a long way to preserving the natural beauty and quality of our resources,” the governor said.

LD 895, "An Act Concerning Blasting Near Residential Areas," protects the rights of residents and businesses near gravel and quarry excavation sites. The law strengthens the notification process before blasting can begin, and ensures that if blasting standards are exceeded, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection must provide written authority before blasting can continue. It also requires a study of blasting operations to see if there can be further certification and requirements that will protect the public interest.

The other law, LD 1508, "An Act to Protect the Scenic Value of the Kennebec River," extends the “outstanding river segment” designation on the Kennebec. The designation currently extends from Georgetown to the Father Curran Bridge in Augusta. This law extends the definition to where the Kennebec meets the Sebasticook in Winslow.

LD 895 goes into effect on Sept. 20. LD 1508, an emergency measure, went into effect on June 20.