April 20, 2012

REP. SUSAN JOHNSON ANNOUNCES SEWAGE SPILL
NOTICE BILL CLEARS LEGISLATURE

Legislation (SB 88) sponsored by State Representative Susan Johnson establishing a process to inform the public whenever a sewage spill occurs was approved by the House of Representatives.

“Every year, millions of people get sick from disease-causing microorganisms found in raw sewage. This legislation makes sure that Connecticut residents are notified when there is a spill—allowing them to protect themselves and their families from exposure to pollutants,” said Rep. Johnson.

Specifically the legislation requires the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) to post information on unanticipated sewage spills on the agency’s website beginning in July of 2014. The online notice will have details on the spill such as the date, time, volume, duration and steps taken to contain it as well as public health or environmental concerns and any public safety precautions that should be taken. In July of 2013, DEEP must begin posting information on anticipated sewer overflows resulting from storm events.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, between 1.8 and 3.5 million Americans become ill annually from contact with recreational waters contaminated by sewage. Currently there is no law requiring public notification if a sewage overflow has contaminated a local beach or waterway or entered a community.

The legislation, which previously passed the state Senate, now goes to Governor Dannel P. Malloy for his consideration.

Susan Johnson is serving her second term representing Connecticut’s 49th General Assembly District in Windham. She is Vice Chair of the state legislature’s Insurance & Real Estate Committee.