SB556
To Protect Public Drinking Water Sources; And To Prohibit Surface Discharge Of Wastewater Into A Watershed.
Last Action (March 21, 2025): Sine Die adjournment
Sponsors
AI-Generated Summary
Senate Bill 556 seeks to amend Arkansas law to prohibit the surface discharge of wastewater into watersheds that serve as sources for public drinking water. The restriction applies specifically to discharge points located upstream from where a public water system extracts water. The bill explicitly excludes discharges permitted under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) stormwater program or equivalent state-level stormwater discharge programs. Enforcement of these new restrictions is assigned to the Arkansas Division of Environmental Quality.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries are the general public and municipal water systems, who would see enhanced protection for their drinking water sources. Environmental conservation groups and residents living downstream from potential discharge points also benefit from reduced risks of water contamination.
Who Might Suffer?
The bill would negatively impact industrial facilities, wastewater treatment plants, or agricultural operations that currently utilize or plan to use surface water discharge methods in upstream watershed locations. These entities may incur increased costs to modify their waste management infrastructure, seek alternative disposal methods, or obtain different types of permits to remain in compliance with state regulations.
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