Bill > H1012

This bill addresses testing and monitoring requirements for combined sewage overflow (CSO) events, which occur when sewage and stormwater overwhelm treatment systems and discharge into water bodies. The legislation requires the environmental department, in consultation with the public health department, to establish quality assurance standards for testing water bodies after a CSO discharge. The testing must be conducted at multiple downstream locations within a reasonable timeframe, using a quality assurance project plan, though testing may be suspended during winter months (December through March). The department must compile annual reports on CSO testing data and use this information to create a predictive model for water quality. If bacteria levels exceed 235 colony forming units per 100 milliliters, the responsible permittee must develop a CSO mitigation plan, which the department will review and approve. As an incentive, permittees with approved mitigation plans will be prioritized for state stormwater funding. Additionally, the bill requires permittees to report discharge volumes, assist with installing accurate metering equipment, and issue public advisories within established timeframes, all subject to appropriate funding.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1012