CS/CS/HB 837 Summary

• Creates the Blue Star Collection System Assessment and Maintenance Program, a voluntary incentive program administered by the Department of Environmental Protection to help utilities limit sanitary sewer overflows and pathogen discharge.

• Establishes certification standards requiring utilities to document periodic structural assessments, reinvestment rates, fats/oils/grease control programs, power outage contingency plans, and (for public utilities) local codes for private pump stations; certifications expire after 5 years and require annual renewal documentation.

• Authorizes the department to reduce penalties for sanitary sewer overflows at certified utilities and to reduce penalties based on certified utilities' investments in assessment and maintenance activities.

• Allows certified blue star utilities to receive 10-year operating permits (instead of 5-year) and provides presumption of compliance with water quality standards for pathogens when utilities demonstrate wastewater disinfection compliance and program implementation.

• Expands Small Community Sewer Construction grant eligibility to include private nonprofit utilities and allows grants to fund domestic wastewater collection system assessment programs to identify conditions causing overflows; effective July 1, 2018.