CT SB00927

Repeals and replaces Section 22a-424a of Connecticut general statutes effective October 1, 2021, revising sewage spill reporting and notification requirements.

Expands definition of "sewage spill" to include all diversions from sewage treatment plants or collection systems, removing the prior requirement that spills "reasonably initiate" public health or environmental concerns.

Requires sewage treatment plant operators to submit electronic reports to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection within two hours of becoming aware of any sewage spill or permitted sewage bypass, with daily updates until the spill ceases.

Mandates notification to chief elected officials and local public health officials within two hours when spills reach a water body or may contact the general public, with those officials required to notify the public within two hours using social media and predominant local languages.

Requires the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to implement a real-time public notification system by December 1, 2021, and publish annual reports by February 1, 2022, and yearly thereafter summarizing sewage spills, affected water bodies, and enforcement actions.