Connecticut House Bill HB05421

Connecticut 2014 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/14
• Refer: 2/27/14

Caption

An Act Authorizing The Use Of Alternative Sewage Treatment Plants In Certain Wastewater Management Districts.

Impact

The bill is set to amend existing state laws, specifically section 22a-430 of the general statutes, giving the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection the authority to delegate the management and permitting of certain discharges from alternative sewage treatment systems to local municipal water pollution control authorities. This delegation is significant as it provides municipalities the power to oversee and implement local solutions for sewage treatment, fostering a more localized approach to environmental management.

Summary

House Bill 05421 is designed to authorize the use of alternative sewage treatment plants specifically in designated wastewater management districts. This legislative measure aims to provide flexibility in sewage treatment methods while ensuring that environmental standards are maintained. By allowing alternative systems, the bill recognizes the advance of technology in wastewater management and seeks to improve the efficiency of sewage treatment processes in areas where traditional systems may be inadequate or overly costly.

Contention

While there is a general agreement on the need for innovative wastewater solutions, the bill may evoke some contention regarding the adequacy of local municipalities to manage these alternative systems effectively. Critics could raise concerns about the potential risks to environmental health owing to varying levels of expertise among local officials compared to state authorities. There may also be discussion surrounding the criteria for establishing wastewater management districts and ensuring that safeguards remain in place to prevent pollution and protect public health.