Bill > S433

This bill aims to improve public awareness of safe recreation in public waterways by requiring the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to establish and maintain a website that reports on Combined Sewer System (CSO) discharges, which are releases of sewage or waste from systems designed to carry both sewage and rainwater when they exceed capacity. The bill mandates that permits for CSO outfalls (locations where these discharges occur) include requirements for installing meters to collect discharge flow data and for posting clear, plain-language signage at affected public access points detailing health risks and precautions for safe recreation. Permittees can apply for waivers from metering requirements if they implement a robust water quality monitoring plan. The DEP's website will provide real-time discharge data, historical records, and allow the public to sign up for email notifications about discharges in specific watersheds, which will include details on the discharge, affected areas, health implications, and recommended safety measures. Additionally, the DEP will issue an annual report summarizing CSO discharge volumes and frequencies. The DEP is also tasked with creating regulations to implement these provisions.