STATE INCREASES FINES FOR SEWAGE POLLUTION Fines for sewage spills – including from public utility systems – increased 50 – 75%. These new fine rates were part of HB1091 Environmental Accountability, and became effective July 1, 2020. “These new fines really put the burden on city and county agencies to be more proactive in the maintenance of our sewage lines,” said NABOR® President Elect Corey McCloskey. McCloskey is also co-chair of NABOR®’s Water Quality Advisory Task Force and is a member of the board of directors at Calusa WaterKeepers.
“For example, after a recent downpour, there were numerous reports of serious leakage in older neighborhoods in South Naples [East Trail area], including notice of a 2,000 gallon leak of highly treated effluent water,” added McCloskey. “After Tropical Storm Sally, there was a 3,000 gallon leak of raw wastewater near Santa Barbara and Rattle Snake Hammock Roads.”
The new bill increases various statutory penalties for violations of environmental laws. For certain violations, it specifies that each day during the violation occurrence constitutes a separate offense. The bill further specifies that each day the cause is not addressed constitutes a separate offense until the violation is resolved by order or judgment. In certain situations, a violation is punishable by a civil penalty of up to $75,000 per violation per day. …Read the full article and more here: NABOR Water Quality Newsletter October 2020 PDF