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Bill

A 2738

Prohibits sewage, wastewater and soil amendment pollution; relates to the disposition of funds from civil penalties

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Pat Carroll and 1 co-sponsor

Bill A 2738 prohibits sewage and wastewater pollution, imposes penalties for violations, and allocates funds for environmental restoration and public education efforts.

REFERRED TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
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Bill Summary · A 2738

Summary of Bill A 2738

Title: Prohibits sewage, wastewater and soil amendment pollution; relates to the disposition of funds from civil penalties

Bill Number: A 2738
Status: Referred to Environmental Conservation
Introduced: January 22, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 2738 aims to address environmental concerns related to pollution from sewage, wastewater, and soil amendments. The primary intent of the bill is to establish stricter regulations to prevent contamination of natural resources and protect public health and the environment. By prohibiting specific types of pollution, the bill seeks to enhance the quality of water and soil, ensuring safer ecosystems for communities.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant provisions:

  1. Prohibition of Pollution:

    • The bill explicitly prohibits the discharge of sewage and wastewater into natural water bodies and the use of contaminated soil amendments that could lead to pollution.
  2. Civil Penalties:

    • Establishes a framework for imposing civil penalties on individuals or entities that violate the pollution prohibitions. The bill outlines the process for assessing these penalties and the potential fines associated with non-compliance.
  3. Disposition of Funds:

    • Specifies how the funds collected from civil penalties will be allocated. This may include funding for environmental restoration projects, public education campaigns on pollution prevention, or support for affected communities.

Who Would Be Affected

The bill would impact a variety of stakeholders, including:

  • Industries: Companies involved in wastewater management, agriculture (particularly those using soil amendments), and construction may face new compliance requirements and potential penalties.

  • Local Governments: Municipalities responsible for sewage treatment and waste management may need to adjust their practices to align with the new regulations.

  • Environmental Organizations: Groups focused on conservation and public health may benefit from enhanced protections and increased funding for environmental initiatives.

  • General Public: Communities near affected areas would see improved environmental conditions, potentially leading to better public health outcomes.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced Date: The bill was introduced on January 22, 2025.
  • Current Status: As of now, the bill has been referred to the Environmental Conservation Committee for further consideration. The timeline for additional hearings or votes has not yet been established.

Conclusion

Bill A 2738 represents a proactive approach to mitigating pollution from sewage and wastewater, with a focus on protecting the environment and public health. By establishing clear prohibitions and penalties, the bill aims to foster accountability among polluters and promote sustainable practices in waste management. The allocation of civil penalty funds is intended to further support environmental restoration and education efforts.

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

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