SB 950 Summary

• Requires persons reporting pollutant releases to the department to simultaneously report via 9-1-1 to the primary public safety answering point in the jurisdiction where the release occurred.

• Mandates persons submit written release reports to the local health department within the same timeframe as submission to the department.

• Adds new reporting requirements for dock or wharf failures: owners/operators must notify the department within 24 hours of detecting collapse or failure, and file a written report within 10 days describing the cause and remediation measures.

• Increases civil penalties for failure to report releases to the public safety answering point from $2,500 to a range of not less than $2,500 and not more than $5,000.

• Creates the Great Lakes and Rivers Protection Fund to receive civil fines collected under the section for use in risk assessment and remediation activities for affected state waters.