Bill S.212 amends Vermont law to enhance the regulation of potable water supplies and wastewater systems, focusing on protecting human health and the environment. The bill shifts the permitting process for these systems from municipalities to the Secretary of Natural Resources, allowing for the review of connections under general permits. It clarifies definitions related to potable water supplies and wastewater systems, including service connections to public water systems and design flow specifications. Additionally, it introduces provisions for the Secretary to adopt general permits, streamlining the permitting process by allowing applications certified by licensed designers. Municipalities can conduct technical reviews of projects involving municipal connections if they meet certain qualifications.

The bill also establishes new fee structures for applications based on design flow rates, with fees set at $250 for flows below 2,000 gallons per day, $2,500 for flows between 2,000 and 6,500 gallons per day, and $5,000 for flows exceeding 6,500 gallons per day. It mandates the publication of a general permit and manual by December 1, 2027, with certification acceptance starting January 1, 2028. Furthermore, the bill allows the Secretary to delegate authority to publicly owned treatment works (POTWs) for regulating pretreatment discharges, including setting application fees and enforcing standards, while retaining Environmental Division jurisdiction over these actions. The act will take effect upon passage, with specific fee-related provisions commencing on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 10-1971, 10-1972, 10-1973, 10-1976, 3-2822(j), 3-2822
As Passed By the Senate -- Official: 10-1971, 10-1972, 10-1973, 10-1976, 3-2822(j), 3-2822
As Passed By the Senate -- Unofficial: 10-1971, 10-1972, 10-1973, 10-1976, 3-2822
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Official: 10-1971, 10-1972, 10-1973, 10-1976, 3-2822(j), 3-2822, 10-1263
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Unofficial: 10-1971, 10-1972, 10-1973, 10-1976, 3-2822, 10-1263