Connecticut Senate Bill SB00273

Connecticut 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/24/10
• Refer: 2/24/10

Caption

An Act Concerning The Discharge Of Certain Vessel Pressure Washing Wastewaters.

Impact

If enacted, this bill will amend existing state laws related to wastewater management from recreational vessel maintenance. The legislation is designed to simplify the regulatory framework for marinas while ensuring that environmental standards are upheld. It allows marinas to operate with fewer compliance burdens as long as certain conditions are met, such as initial and ongoing testing of wastewater by independent laboratories to confirm adherence to pollution standards. This approach aims to balance the interests of recreational boating facilities and environmental protection efforts.

Summary

SB00273, titled 'An Act Concerning The Discharge Of Certain Vessel Pressure Washing Wastewaters,' is a proposed legislation aimed at regulating the discharge of wastewater resulting from the pressure washing of recreational vessels at marinas and similar facilities. The bill stipulates that marinas, yacht clubs, boatyards, and boat repair facilities may engage in pressure washing activities without the burden of complex wastewater management measures, provided they comply with specific environmental standards. The Commissioner of Environmental Protection is tasked with oversight, requiring that wastewater from these activities does not contribute to environmental pollution and is devoid of copper compounds.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding SB00273, particularly regarding environmental concerns related to the potential for pollution. Critics of the bill may argue that easing regulatory requirements could lead to an increased risk of water pollution from toxic substances, especially if monitoring and enforcement are not stringent. Proponents, however, might contend that the bill provides a necessary flexibility for recreational facilities to operate economically without compromising environmental integrity, where compliance with established standards is effectively maintained.