CT HB05496

Department of Energy and Environmental Protection shall develop a statewide public education and outreach campaign in consultation with municipal organizations and environmental groups to help municipalities comply with small municipal separate storm sewer systems general permit requirements, including video, social media, and print materials.

Department shall establish a qualified professional certification program to verify municipal compliance with the permit and develop recommendations to reduce documentation requirements, identify electronic reporting applications, and direct University of Connecticut's Center for Land Use Education and Research to provide compliance workshops.

Commissioner may grant municipalities time extensions to comply with permit requirements upon demonstration of significant progress toward compliance.

Department shall develop training and assistance to municipalities including mandating outfall screening only when illicit discharge evidence exists, allowing watershed-based screening prioritization, and limiting long-term maintenance plan requirements to new stormwater basins and treatment structures; report due October 1, 2021.

Department shall establish the Municipal Stormwater Management Assistance program providing matching grants to municipalities and regional councils of government for stormwater best management practices, electronic reporting software, outfall monitoring, and other compliance activities, funded by $20 million in state bonds authorized as of July 1, 2020.