HLS 24RS-849 ENGROSSED
2024 Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO. 474
BY REPRESENTATIVE COATES
SEWERAGE: Requires signage for wetland 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 duties of the Department of Environmental Quality; to require the posting of
4 warning signs for wetlands assimilation projects; and to provide for related matters.
5Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:
6 Section 1. R.S. 30:2074(F) is hereby enacted to read as follows:
7 ยง2074. Water quality control; secretary of environmental quality; powers and duties
8 * * *
9 F. The secretary shall require all wetland assimilation project permit holders
10 to post and maintain warning signs to notify the public of the presence of wastewater
11 effluent discharge at reasonable intervals along the entire perimeter of any wetlands
12 impacted by the discharge of wastewater, including all areas between the receiving
13 effluent and the designated out-site locations, and at the entrances to any wildlife
14 management areas in which there are impacted wetlands. The signage shall state
15 "Warning: Treated Wastewater Discharge".
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions. HLS 24RS-849 ENGROSSED
HB NO. 474
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 Engrossed 2024 Regular Session Coates
Abstract: Requires warning signs for treated wastewater discharge associated with wetland
assimilation projects.
Present law authorizes the secretary of the Dept. of Environmental Quality to administer the
La. 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.
Proposed law provides that the secretary must also require wetland assimilation project
permit holders to post warning signs near wetlands where wastewater is discharged and at
the entrances to wildlife management areas within which wastewater is discharged into
wetlands.
Proposed law requires the signs to state "Warning: Treated Wastewater Discharge".
(Adds R.S. 30:2074(F))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Natural Resources and
Environment to the original bill:
1. Make technical changes.
2. Remove prohibition against tertiary treatment of wastewater in wetlands of the
state.
3. Add a requirement that wetland assimilation project permit holders post warning
signs regarding treated wastewater discharge.
4. Require signs to state "Warning: Treated Wastewater Discharge".
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.