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LD 465

An Act To Update Waste Discharge License Fees

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Nicole Grohoski

The bill increases annual waste discharge license fees for MS4s and marine aquaculture, adds a new fee for marine finfish aquaculture, and directs revenue to DEP permitting and ove

Signed by Governor
#dischargelicensefees #permits #wastes
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Bill Summary · LD 465

Summary — LD 465: An Act To Update Waste Discharge License Fees

Status: Signed by Governor (May 9, 2025)
Introduced: February 5, 2025
Sponsor (preliminary): Sen. Grohoski of Hancock
Committee: Environment and Natural Resources — OTP‑AM reported; Committee Amendment “A” (S‑24) adopted

Purpose

The bill updates annual waste discharge license fees for certain state-issued permits to better align fee levels with program needs and to establish a fee for marine finfish aquaculture. The changes raise revenues deposited to Other Special Revenue Funds that support the Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) permitting and oversight activities.

Key provisions

  • Increase the annual waste discharge license fee for municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) from $362 to $1,306 (an increase of $944).
  • Increase the annual waste discharge license fee for marine aquaculture facilities from $275 to $1,682 (an increase of $1,407).
  • Establish a new annual waste discharge license fee of $1,682 for marine finfish aquaculture facilities (newly covered category).
  • Provide corresponding appropriations/allocations so the DEP may expend the additional fee revenue.

(The enacted bill was passed as engrossed with Committee Amendment “A” (S‑24).)

Fiscal impact

  • Estimated additional revenue to Other Special Revenue Funds:
    • FY 2025‑26: $55,791
    • FY 2026‑27: $57,409
    • FY 2027‑28 (projection): $59,074
    • FY 2028‑29 (projection): $60,787
  • The bill includes matching allocations to permit the DEP to spend these additional funds.

Who is affected

  • Municipalities operating MS4 permits will see higher annual license costs.
  • Operators of marine aquaculture facilities (including the new, separate category of marine finfish aquaculture) will face higher or new annual fees.
  • The DEP benefits from increased fee revenue to support permitting, compliance, and administration; the fiscal note suggests the number of affected licensees is relatively small given the modest total revenue increase.

Legislative timeline (selected)

  • Feb 5, 2025 — Referred to Environment and Natural Resources Committee
  • Mar 5, 2025 — Committee work session; voted OTP‑AM
  • Apr 24–29, 2025 — Committee amendment adopted; bill passed by both chambers (concurrence)
  • May 6, 2025 — Passed to be enacted
  • May 9, 2025 — Signed by Governor

Notes

  • Fiscal estimates and appropriations are based on DEP projections included in the fiscal notes prepared for the bill (approved March–April 2025).
  • Committee Amendment “A” is the version enacted; the fiscal notes reflect the enacted fee levels described above.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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