AR
Arkansas Senate Bill SB556

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

Arkansas Senate Bill SB556

Introduced
3/21/25  

Caption

To Protect Public Drinking Water Sources; And To Prohibit Surface Discharge Of Wastewater Into A Watershed.

Impact

If enacted, SB556 would amend existing Arkansas laws by adding a new section to the Arkansas Code concerning wastewater discharge and public drinking water sources. Specifically, the bill prohibits any surface discharge of wastewater into a watershed upstream of where a public water system draws its water. The Arkansas Division of Environmental Quality would be responsible for enforcing these new provisions, thereby reinforcing the state's commitment to protecting its water resources.

Summary

Senate Bill 556 aims to enhance the protection of public drinking water sources in Arkansas by establishing a prohibition on the surface discharge of wastewater into watersheds that serve as sources for public water systems. This bill is intended to safeguard public health and ensure the quality of drinking water for residents by preventing potentially contaminated wastewater from entering vital water sources. The legislation recognizes the importance of clean water as a fundamental public resource and seeks to impose regulations that prevent pollution of these sources.

Contention

There may be some contention regarding the implications of this bill on existing wastewater management practices. Opponents might argue that this law could impose additional regulatory burdens on businesses and wastewater facilities that are already compliant with environmental standards. Some stakeholders may express concerns about the impact on local industries that rely on wastewater disposal, which could influence the bill's reception among business advocates. Overall, while the bill aims to enhance water quality, discussions may arise about balancing environmental protection with economic considerations.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR HB1624

To Amend The Law Concerning The Projects Eligible For The Income Tax Credit For Surface Water Conversion Under The Water Resource Conservation And Development Incentives Act To Include Projects In Chicot County.

AR SB466

To Amend The Arkansas Student Protection Act; And To Include Offering Or Providing Abortion Referrals As A Prohibited Transaction By A Public School Or Open-enrollment Charter School.

AR HB1681

To Regulate Certain Guaranteed Income Programs; To Create The Work Protection Act; And To Prohibit A Public Entity From Enforcing Or Enacting Certain Universal Basic Income Programs.

AR SB288

Regarding Environmental Law; To Amend The Law Related To Certain Permits; To Amend The Law Regarding Certain Permit Fees; And To Amend The Law Regarding Appointments On The Licensing Committee Related To Wastewater Treatment Plants.

AR SJR12

A Constitutional Amendment To Create An Implied Warranty Of Habitability And Provide Protections To Arkansas Tenants.

AR SB478

To Provide Additional Funding For The Arkansas Port, Intermodal, And Waterway Development Grant Program Fund; And To Create A Waterways Investment Income Tax Credit.

AR SB66

To Create The Protection Of Minors From Distribution Of Harmful Material Act; To Establish Liability For The Publication Or Distribution Of Material Harmful To Minors On The Internet; And To Require Reasonable Age Verification.

AR HB1607

To Create The Arkansas Nighttime Environment Protection Act; And To Repeal The Shielded Outdoor Lighting Act.

AR SB386

To Repeal The Arkansas River Navigation System Fund; To Provide Additional Funding For The Arkansas Port, Intermodal, And Waterway Development Grant Program Fund; And To Create A Waterways Investment Income Tax Credit.

AR SB339

To Amend The Law Regarding Working Animal Protection; And To Provide For Working Animal Protection In Counties.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.