Bill Summary: SB00248

• Adds requirement that Department of Public Health must represent in writing to the council that solar photovoltaic facilities disturbing more than one acre of forestland within aquifer protection areas or public drinking water supply watersheds will not have significant adverse impact on purity and adequacy of public drinking water supply.

• Requires applicants filing zoning and planning applications for projects within water company watersheds or aquifer protection areas to provide written notice to the affected water company and Department of Public Health within seven days of filing.

• Permits water companies and the Commissioner of Public Health to appear and be heard at zoning hearings and wetlands/watercourse regulatory proceedings for projects affecting their watersheds.

• Requires Department of Public Health to consult with affected water companies when evaluating solar photovoltaic projects in aquifer protection areas or drinking water supply watersheds.

• All amendments effective October 1, 2022, and intended to protect quality and availability of public water supplies to meet state's public health, safety and economic development needs.