Reps. Borer, Reyes Champion Safety Protocols Regarding Sewage Spills

reyes
June 7, 2021

REPS. BORER, REYES CHAMPION SAFETY PROTOCOLS REGARDING SEWAGE SPILLS 

 

State Representatives Dorinda Borer (D-West Haven) and Geraldo Reyes (D-Waterbury) champion legislation requiring the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) to notify the public of sewage spills that pose a health hazard.

 

The Connecticut House voted 127 to 11 in strong bipartisan support to pass this legislation. 

 

“Untimely notification of a sewage spill is a public health risk and environment hazard. This is absolutely unacceptable,” said State Rep. Borer, former Chair of the Environmental Committee. “This bill will ensure that our communities always receive warning of potential public health hazards in a timely manner.”

 

“We’ve worked very hard the last few years on transparency and clear communication on sewage spills throughout our great state,” State Rep. Reyes said. “This is all about transparency and timely information for all.”

 

State Reps. Borer and Reyes called on DEEP to re-analyze the protocol for public notification last summer after a sewage spill in Waterbury and a second spill of 2.1 million gallons into Mill River following to the Long Island Sound. Many residents of West Haven and Waterbury did not receive timely notification of the spill and unknowingly continued to swim in the river.

 

This legislation requires DEEP to create an electronic notification system for sewage spills. DEEP must send all notifications within two hours receiving the spillage report. The notification will provide several details including the location and necessary safety precautions.

 

This bill expands upon legislation created in 2017 after five million gallons of sewage spilled into the Naugatuck River. Current legislation requires sewage plants to notify local elected officials of any spill expected to exceed five thousand gallons. This bill revises the statute to ensure local officials are notified of any spill, regardless of volume. Furthermore, local officials are now required to notify the public of any spill that may impact the environment or public health within two hours of receiving a report.