AR HB1550

Permit applicants for nonmunicipal domestic sewage treatment works must submit a professional engineer assessment documenting: cost estimates for third-party operation/maintenance over 5 years, necessary capital expenditures with completion schedules, and financial plans demonstrating ability to operate and maintain the system annually for 5 years.

Initial trust fund contribution fees are set at 10% of estimated construction costs for new systems or modifications increasing capacity; annual fees capped at $1,000 for no-discharge permits and $5,000 for discharge permits (increased from $200 and $1,000 respectively).

Property owners' associations and homeowner associations are prohibited from obtaining new permit coverage after January 1, 2018, though those with coverage before December 31, 2017 may retain it if compliant.

Department director may notify water service providers when a nonmunicipal sewage treatment works is under enforcement action or noncompliant, directing them to prohibit new water connections in the system's service area until compliance is achieved.

Trust fund may be used to provide reimbursement to facilities, technical support for operation and maintenance, and pay department administrative costs for fund management.