FL S0244

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

Requires certified blue star utilities to implement periodic system assessments, adequate reinvestment in maintenance, fats/oils/grease control programs, power outage contingency plans, and for public utilities, local codes addressing private pump station defects and stormwater connections.

Provides certified blue star utilities a presumption of compliance with state water quality standards for pathogens, eligibility for 10-year operating permits instead of 5-year permits, and potential penalty reductions for sanitary sewer overflows.

Expands the Small Community Sewer Construction Assistance Program to include private nonprofit utilities and allows grants to be used for wastewater collection system assessment programs to identify conditions causing sanitary sewer overflows.

Allows the Department of Environmental Protection to reduce penalties based on a permitted facility's investment in assessment, maintenance, rehabilitation, or expansion activities.