The proposed bill aims to enhance wastewater management in Florida by mandating advanced wastewater treatment for sewage disposal facilities with a permitted capacity exceeding 1 million gallons per day. The legislation outlines the Department of Environmental Protection's responsibilities, which include submitting detailed reports to the Governor and Legislature by specified deadlines. These reports will cover various aspects of sewage disposal facilities, such as construction year, treatment levels, pollutant loading, and facility locations in relation to flood zones. Additionally, the bill requires the department to develop a priority ranking process for upgrading these facilities to advanced treatment by 2036.
By June 30, 2027, the department must provide a progress report on the status of upgrades for each facility, including a list of those required to upgrade, preliminary cost estimates, and projected timelines for completion. The bill emphasizes the importance of improving wastewater management to protect environmental quality and public health, addressing issues such as aging infrastructure and inadequately treated wastewater. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.