Relating to environmental assessments; to provide for an assessment on each community water system to be remitted to the Alabama Department of Environmental Management.
Impact
The implementation of HB 418 is expected to enhance the regulation of community water systems, ensuring they meet required environmental and safety standards. By mandating these assessments, the bill aims to improve water quality and public health within the communities, addressing potential environmental issues proactively. This initiative could also lead to improved transparency and accountability among water system operators, fostering greater public trust.
Summary
House Bill 418 addresses the need for environmental assessments related to community water systems. The bill mandates that an assessment be conducted for each community water system, with the findings being remitted to the Alabama Department of Environmental Management. This legislative effort aims at ensuring that all community water systems in Alabama are evaluated for their environmental impact and overall compliance with state health standards.
Contention
There may be points of contention surrounding HB 418, particularly regarding the feasibility and funding for these assessments. Stakeholders could voice concerns about the costs associated with conducting these assessments, both for the state and for local communities. Additionally, there may be debates about the adequacy of the current resources available to the Alabama Department of Environmental Management to effectively handle the additional responsibilities imposed by this bill, raising questions about its practical implementation.
Alabama Department of Environmental Management; water well drillers, licenses and licensees, fees therefore, revised and further provides for; continuing education required
Alabama Drycleaning Response Trust Fund Board, requirement that the Alabama Department of Environmental Management prevent involvement of other units of government in contamination problems deleted; required minimum balance in Alabama Drycleaning Environmental Response Trust Fund reduced from one million to two hundred fifty thousand dollars
Alabama Drycleaning Response Trust Fund Board, requirement that the Alabama Department of Environmental Management prevent involvement of other units of government in contamination problems deleted; required minimum balance in Alabama Drycleaning Environmental Response Trust Fund reduced from one million to two hundred fifty thousand dollars
Safe Drinking Water Act; environmental management department required to investigate for PFAS; private right of action against responsible persons established
Recycling; Department of Environmental Management required to issue credits; Department of Revenue required to accept credits in lieu of fees; civil penalties established
Alabama Improvement Districts; to streamline enforcement and collection of assessments; authorize revenue commissioner to collect reasonable compensation; provide additional rights and protections; eliminate certain remedies for failure to pay an assessment