S.B. 2501 Summary

• Amends the definition of "variance" under water pollution law to mean special written authorization from the director to discharge waste or cause water pollution in a manner that deviates from chapter requirements.

• Prohibits permits for continuing discharge of point source pollution into highest quality waters, with exception only for temporary construction activities.

• Establishes that the burden of proof for variance applications rests on the applicant, not the department.

• Requires all variance proceedings to include public notice with at least 30-day comment periods, mailing to interested parties, and potential public hearings at the director's discretion.

• Limits variance grants to five-year terms and requires grantees to perform discharge sampling and report results to the department.