The proposed legislation, General Assembly Raised Bill No. 5522, aims to enhance the Sewage Right-to-Know Act by updating the requirements for reporting and public notification regarding sewage spills and permitted sewage bypasses. Key insertions include the definition of "electronic report" and the requirement for sewage treatment plant operators to submit such reports to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) within two hours of becoming aware of a sewage incident. Additionally, operators must update these reports daily until the incident is resolved and are mandated to notify local officials and the public if the spill impacts water bodies or public health. The bill also requires the posting of signs at spill locations with relevant information and establishes a real-time public notification system for alerts via text or email.

The bill repeals the existing Section 22a-424a and replaces it with updated provisions that include a deadline for implementing the public notification system by December 1, 2026, and mandates annual reports from DEEP summarizing sewage spills and enforcement actions. The failure to file electronic reports is classified as a violation under the law. Overall, the bill seeks to improve transparency and public awareness regarding sewage spills, thereby enhancing public health and environmental safety.

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