Which agency is responsible for issuing permits for development projects over 20 acres in Maine?

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the agency in Maine responsible for issuing permits for development projects that exceed 20 acres. This includes overseeing land use, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, and assessing the potential impacts of large-scale projects on natural resources. The DEP plays a critical role in managing environmental concerns associated with land development, which is essential for preserving Maine's ecosystems and ensuring sustainable growth.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) primarily functions on a federal level, setting nationwide standards and regulations but typically does not issue permits directly for state-specific projects like those managed at the state level by the DEP. The Maine Island Registry is not involved in development project permits; it focuses on managing the inventory of islands in Maine. Similarly, the Department of Wildlife, Fish and Game revolves around the management of wildlife and their habitats rather than land development permits, making them less relevant in this context.