HLS 24RS-849 ORIGINAL
2024 Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO. 474
BY REPRESENTATIVE COATES
SEWERAGE: Prohibits the use of natural wetlands as tertiary treatment in waste water
assimilation projects
1 AN ACT
2To enact R.S. 30:2074(F), relative to waste water discharge into natural wetlands; to provide
3 for the authority of the Department of Environmental Quality; to prohibit waste
4 water discharge into natural wetlands for tertiary treatment purposes; and to provide
5 for related matters.
6Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:
7 Section 1. R.S. 30:2074(F) is hereby enacted to read as follows:
8 ยง2074. Water quality control; secretary of environmental quality; powers and duties
9 * * *
10 F. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the discharge of
11 waste water into natural wetlands of the state for the purpose of tertiary treatment is
12 prohibited.
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 474 Original 2024 Regular Session Coates
Abstract: Prohibits the use of natural wetlands for tertiary treatment of waste water.
Present law authorizes the secretary of the Dept. of Environmental Quality to administer the
Louisiana Pollutant Discharge Elimination System program under the federal Clean Water
Act, which includes the authority to promulgate rules and issue permits for the discharge of
pollutants, including waste water, into the waters of the state.
Page 1 of 2
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions. HLS 24RS-849 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 474
Proposed law creates an exception to this authority by prohibiting the discharge of waste
water into natural wetlands of the state for tertiary treatment purposes.
(Adds R.S. 30:2074(F))
Page 2 of 2
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.