House Bill 482 Summary

• Authorizes additional connections to water supply lines funded by the Clean Water and Natural Gas Critical Needs Bond Act of 1998 when the existing waterline has sufficient capacity, for addressing public health threats or providing water to single-family residential lots.

• Requires the Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources to grant waivers for additional connections in water supply watersheds designated as WS-I or critical areas of WS-II, WS-III, or WS-IV.

• Directs the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to remit penalties assessed between June 1, 2010, and July 1, 2011, against poor counties for NPDES permit violations and unauthorized sludge discharges if specific conditions are met.

• Defines a "poor county" as one with unemployment at least 2.5% higher than the state average and at least 18% of residents below the poverty level according to the 2008 U.S. Census.

• Requires qualifying counties to pay investigative costs and use funds equal to the lowest proposed penalty amount toward remaining remedial actions identified by the department.