Bill > H742

This bill aims to improve public awareness and safety regarding discharges from combined sewer systems (CSOs) into public waterways. It defines key terms like "CSO discharge" (when a combined sewer system, which mixes sewage with storm runoff, overflows due to exceeding capacity), "CSO outfall" (the point where such a discharge occurs), and "watershed" (the area of land where water drains into a larger body of water). The bill mandates that permits for CSO outfalls include requirements for installing metering equipment to track discharge data, unless a waiver is granted based on alternative water quality monitoring. Crucially, it requires clear signage at CSO outfalls and public access points detailing health risks from contamination and precautions for safe recreation, using plain language and pictograms. Furthermore, the Department of Environmental Protection will maintain a website with CSO discharge data, allow public registration for email notifications about discharges, and issue annual reports. These notifications will include details on discharge volume, location, timing, treatment level, affected areas, health implications, and recommended safety measures, and will be sent to registered members of the public, major newspapers, and local health boards.