SB17-049 Summary

• Exempts underground drains or systems of drains from requiring a permit or replacement plan when collecting and removing groundwater from soil in connection with residential, commercial, industrial development, or utility lines serving such development.

• Drain exemption requires that the drain does not penetrate a confining layer of soil.

• Removed groundwater must not be put to any use other than collecting and removing groundwater from soils, except for legally reusable water.

• Removed groundwater must be discharged within the same designated groundwater basin where the drain is located, either through drainage basins where all or a substantial portion of the drain is located or through infiltration into underlying groundwater.

• Applies to groundwater collection, removal, and discharge occurring on or after the effective date, including drains that were previously permitted or subject to pending or approved replacement plans.