Relating to consumption of fishes; to require the State Health Officer to issue advisories concerning fish consumption and to establish a panel to advise on and discuss this issue; to require the Department of Environmental Management to test fishes for pollutants and post signage at water bodies notifying of an active fish consumption advisory; to require the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to notify fish license purchasers of all active advisories; and to require holders of National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permits to post signage identifying outfalls.
Impact
The bill requires the Alabama Department of Environmental Management to conduct regular evaluations of fish species for pollutants. It further mandates the posting of clear and accessible advisories at public access points to water bodies where there are active fish consumption advisories. This action is designed to keep the public informed regarding potential hazards associated with fish from those areas, thereby improving public safety.
Summary
House Bill 297, titled the Safe and Healthy Outdoor Recreation Act of 2023, mandates the Alabama State Health Officer to issue advisories concerning the consumption of fish, especially in reference to public health risks associated with polluted waters. The bill recognizes outdoor fishing as an essential activity for many residents of Alabama, along with their right to be informed about the safety of fish consumption. It also seeks to protect public health from illnesses stemming from contaminated fish and pollution in state waters.
Contention
A notable aspect of HB 297 is the establishment of a panel under the State Health Officer to advise on fish consumption advisories. This group will evaluate sampling methods, pollutant toxicity limits, and public communication strategies regarding advisories. The necessity for effective communication and public awareness often leads to debate around the adequacy and frequency of testing, the types of advisories issued, and the implications for local fishing practices.
Implementation
In addition to these measures, the bill also requires that holders of the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permits post signage near pollution discharge points, providing details on the pollutants being released. Compliance timelines are established, and the bill promotes accountability among pollutant dischargers to enhance transparency and public health protection.
Shark alert system; established; implementation by Department of Conservation and Natural Resources required; state and local entities assistance required
Recycling; Department of Environmental Management required to issue credits; Department of Revenue required to accept credits in lieu of fees; civil penalties established
Safe Drinking Water Act; environmental management department required to investigate for PFAS; private right of action against responsible persons established
Alabama Department of Environmental Management; water well drillers, licenses and licensees, fees therefore, revised and further provides for; continuing education required
Fishing; Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources prohibited from adopting slot limit rule for tournaments on Coosa River under certain conditions
Fishing; Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources prohibited from adopting slot limit rule for tournaments on Coosa River under certain conditions
Alabama Drycleaning Response Trust Fund Board, requirement that the Alabama Department of Environmental Management prevent involvement of other units of government in contamination problems deleted; required minimum balance in Alabama Drycleaning Environmental Response Trust Fund reduced from one million to two hundred fifty thousand dollars
Alabama Drycleaning Response Trust Fund Board, requirement that the Alabama Department of Environmental Management prevent involvement of other units of government in contamination problems deleted; required minimum balance in Alabama Drycleaning Environmental Response Trust Fund reduced from one million to two hundred fifty thousand dollars
Stem cell therapy; permitted in certain circumstances, notice and consent requirements provided, exceptions provided, State Board of Medical Examiners required to adopt rules
Relating to health and nutrition standards to promote healthy living, including requirements for food labeling, primary and secondary education, higher education, and continuing education for certain health care professionals; authorizing a civil penalty.