IL HB4746

Operators of natural gas storage fields on Sole Source Aquifers (designated by EPA in 2015) must immediately notify the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, municipalities, counties, emergency services, and public water supply operators within 5 miles of any natural gas incident.

Private residents, owners of private water systems, and businesses within 1.5 miles of a natural gas incident must be notified as soon as practicable through verbal communication first, or posted physical notices in 18-point font if verbal contact fails.

Department must adopt rules within 3 months establishing minimum criteria for what constitutes a reportable natural gas incident, at least as stringent as federal standards under 49 CFR 191.3(1)(iii).

Incident notices must include the location, discovery date and time, operator contact information, and applicable safety information, with ongoing notification requirements if incident boundaries change.

Department shall conduct annual inspections of all gas storage fields on Sole Source Aquifers to ensure no infrastructure deficiencies pose harm to public health, with inspection costs covered by the field owner.