The proposed bill amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act by adding Section 3116a, which allows individuals to discharge cooling water, wash water, or other wastewater from agricultural processes without a permit, provided they meet specific criteria. These criteria include limitations on the volume of discharge (not exceeding 100,000 gallons per year), ensuring that the wastewater does not contain hazardous waste, and that it does not negatively impact groundwater quality or surface water. Additional requirements stipulate that the discharge must be applied over vegetated land, must not cause runoff or flooding, and must be rotated to prevent repeated application in the same location.

Furthermore, the bill allows for the inclusion of sanitary sewage in the discharge if it is applied through a subsurface system permitted by local health authorities. Individuals discharging wastewater under this provision are required to maintain records detailing the date, volume, and location of each discharge. The bill also defines key terms such as "cooling water," "wash water," and "wastewater," and outlines conditions to prevent nuisance issues related to odors, noise, and other disturbances. The enactment of this bill is contingent upon the passage of House Bill No. 5698.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 324.101, 324.90106