Junkyards and so-called “auto graveyards” have been steadily expanding and frequently encroach upon highways. These junkyards and graveyards have become a nuisance and a menace to safe travel on public ways, often distracting the attention of drivers of motor vehicles because it appears cars are parked on the highway or that an accident has occurred. It is declared that such junkyards and automobile graveyards are a nuisance and are properly subject to regulation and control. [PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]

It is recognized that recycling of automobiles is a business enterprise that, when conducted in accordance with certain standards, differs from the enterprise of an automobile graveyard and that adoption of uniform state standards for this type of business enterprise would assist in development and regulation of that business. [PL 1993, c. 173, §1 (NEW).]

Junkyards, automobile graveyards and automobile recycling businesses pose potential risks to the environment, particularly to groundwater and surface water quality if gasoline, oil or other fluids are not managed and disposed of properly. Proper location and operation of these facilities are critical to ensure protection of groundwater and surface water quality, other natural resources and the health and welfare of Maine citizens. These facilities may create nuisance conditions potentially affecting abutting landowners and others if not located and operated properly. For these reasons, it is declared that these facilities are appropriately subject to certain environmental and operational standards and to appropriate municipal and state regulation. [PL 2003, c. 312, §2 (NEW).]