Bill > SB0564

This bill amends Tennessee law concerning utilities and wastewater systems, primarily by establishing new regulations for decentralized wastewater treatment systems using land application and clarifying processes for developers and utilities. Key provisions include extending the approval period for engineering plans for sewage and wastewater projects to a cumulative maximum of 60 months, requiring the Department of Environment and Conservation (the "Department") to develop specific rules for the design and construction of these systems by July 31, 2027, and outlining a process for developers to propose the transfer of ownership and operation of neighborhood wastewater treatment works to existing utilities, with defined timelines for utility responses and potential fallback options. The bill also mandates performance bonds for treatment works during their initial operation and requires utilities to demonstrate regulatory compliance and operational readiness before taking over such systems. Furthermore, it prevents the issuance or modification of permits for decentralized wastewater systems if the applicant is not in substantial compliance with existing orders from the commissioner, defining what constitutes non-compliance to include pending appeals, missed deadlines, or unpaid penalties.