Bill > HB2538

This bill amends Arizona law to establish a comprehensive water quality program aimed at restoring and maintaining the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the state's waters, including the addition of "ecological services" as a consideration when setting water quality standards for non-WOTUS (Waters of the U.S.) protected surface waters, which are bodies of water not federally regulated under the Clean Water Act. Key provisions include the director's duty to adopt rules for a water quality program, the requirement for public notice and comment on standards for non-WOTUS protected surface waters, and the establishment of a permit program for discharges of dredged or fill material into these non-WOTUS waters. The bill also clarifies that the Arizona Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (AZPDES) permit program for WOTUS will not be less stringent than federal requirements, while allowing for state-specific rules for non-WOTUS protected surface waters that are not more stringent than federal law and do not require EPA oversight. Additionally, it mandates that counties implementing stormwater programs must ensure their regulations are not less stringent than federal or state requirements and clarifies that these programs should not regulate activities that do not discharge to a protected surface water.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/84325