Connecticut House Bill HB05496

Connecticut 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/20
• Refer: 3/10/20

Caption

An Act Concerning The Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems General Permit.

Impact

The passage of HB 5496 is expected to bring significant changes in the compliance landscape for municipalities regarding stormwater management. By providing extensions on compliance dates for municipalities that demonstrate progress, DEEP aims to ensure that local governments can meet environmental regulations without undue burden. The establishment of matching grants for projects addressing stormwater management also indicates an investment in state-wide infrastructure improvements and the promotion of regional collaboration among municipalities, potentially leading to more effective environmental stewardship.

Summary

House Bill 5496, titled 'An Act Concerning The Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems General Permit', aims to support municipalities in Connecticut by providing tools and resources to comply with the federal small municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4) general permit. The bill emphasizes the role of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) in facilitating compliance through public education, outreach campaigns, and assistance programs. Additionally, it mandates that DEEP develop recommendations and training for municipalities to simplify their compliance processes and reduce unnecessary documentation restrictions.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding the bill include the potential effectiveness of the proposed compliance assistance versus the existing requirements under federal law. While proponents argue that the bill will enhance local capacities to manage stormwater effectively and address environmental concerns, critics may question the adequacy of the proposed measures and whether they sufficiently address the urgency of stormwater management issues. Furthermore, the allocation of state funds for these grants may also be a contentious topic among lawmakers seeking to prioritize different areas of public spending.