HB 5839 Summary

• Requires persons reporting water pollution releases to notify primary public safety answering points via 9-1-1 call and local health departments of written reports within existing timeframes.

• Establishes new 24-hour notification requirement to the Department of Environmental Quality for dock or wharf failures or substance releases from docks/wharfs located in or adjacent to state waters.

• Requires written reports within 10 days for dock/wharf failures describing causes, discovery, and remedial measures, with copies submitted to local health departments.

• Increases civil penalties for failure to report releases to public safety answering points from $2,500 to between $2,500-$5,000, and maintains $500 maximum fine for failure to report to local health departments.

• Creates the Great Lakes and Rivers Protection Fund to receive civil fines collected under the section, to be expended by the Department for risk assessment and remediation activities for affected state waters.