This bill amends the Storm Water Management Act of October 4, 1978, primarily by changing the name of the Department of Environmental Resources to the Department of Environmental Protection throughout the text. It updates the definitions and responsibilities of the department, including its collaboration with the Department of Community and Economic Development in reviewing watershed storm water plans. The bill also introduces new provisions requiring the department to conduct annual water quality testing and outlines alternative methods for assessing water quality if resources are limited. Additionally, it allows for the granting of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit waivers for compliant small municipal separate storm sewer systems.

Furthermore, the bill repeals the section related to appropriations, which previously allocated funds for the department's administrative expenses. It maintains the department's authority to administer grants to municipalities and counties for storm water management plans and outlines the process for addressing funding shortfalls in grant allocations. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 157 (Jan 29, 2025): P.L.864, No.167
Printer's No. 0157: P.L.864, No.167