Iowa House Bill HF2328

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/5/24
• Engrossed: 2/20/24
• Refer: 2/20/24

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the use capacity of campground septic systems.(Formerly HSB 600.)

Impact

The bill reflects a significant update to existing regulations surrounding campground sanitation. With increased standards for septic system capacity, the bill is intended to promote better waste management practices, prevent environmental contamination, and ensure the health and safety of campers. This move could impact campgrounds across Iowa, requiring investments in infrastructure to meet the new mandates. On the other hand, it may also create challenges for smaller campgrounds that could struggle with the financial burden of upgrading their facilities to comply with these regulations.

Summary

House File 2328 aims to regulate the use capacity of septic systems in campgrounds to ensure environmental safety and sanitation standards. The bill mandates that campgrounds with hookups must install septic systems that accommodate a use capacity of at least 25 gallons per day for each camping site or be based on previous peak monthly water usage divided by the number of days in that month and campsites. For campgrounds without a metered water source, the requirement increases to 45 gallons per day per campsite. This reflects a growing concern for health and environmental issues related to waste management in recreational areas.

Contention

While the bill may be seen as a necessary step towards safeguarding public health and the environment, there may be points of contention regarding its implementation. For example, opponents may argue the financial implications for many campgrounds, particularly smaller operations that may face difficulty in affording required upgrades. Additionally, there could be concerns about the extent of state regulation in local campground management, which might be perceived as an overreach affecting local business practices and autonomy.