Providing for additional sources of revenue for the water program management fund and creating additional fees for the regulation of underground injection control wells.
Impact
By creating these new fees and updating regulatory frameworks, HB2159 is designed to strengthen the state’s capability to manage its water resources effectively. This includes ensuring that wastewater treatment facilities operate within established safety standards, thereby protecting both surface and groundwater from contamination. The bill also supports the state's obligation under the federal Clean Water Act to maintain and improve water quality, thus reflecting the state's ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship.
Summary
House Bill 2159 aims to amend existing regulations concerning the management of wastewater treatment facilities, water wells, and underground injection control wells in the state of Kansas. Central to this legislation is the establishment of new fees that would provide additional revenue streams for the water program management fund. The bill grants the Secretary of Health and Environment the authority to impose these additional fees, which are intended to enhance the regulation and monitoring of water resource management activities that are vital for public health and environmental safety.
Contention
While the bill seeks to improve water quality and safety, there are potential points of contention regarding the imposition of new fees. Stakeholders, particularly in the agricultural and industrial sectors, may express concerns about the financial implications of these additional costs. Furthermore, there may be debates regarding the extent of the secretary's authority in regulating and charging fees, as this could affect existing operations and compliance requirements for both small and large facilities. Should the bill evolve into law, it will necessitate careful scrutiny of the regulatory environment and its ramifications on affected entities within Kansas.
Requiring the secretary of health and environment to adopt rules and regulations that allow for the direct and indirect potable reuse of treated wastewater, providing additional requirements for applications to the water technical assistance fund and the water projects grant fund and extending the current expiration date of such funds.
Establishing a pump installation contractor license and requiring additional examination, qualification and record-keeping requirements for licensed pump installation contractor and water well contractors.
Establishing a pump installation contractor license and requiring additional examination, qualification and record-keeping requirements for licensed pump installation contractor and water well contractors.
Increases the cap on fees collected for the Waste Tire Management Dedicated Fund Account and dedicates additional revenue for a tire buy back program (OR +$5,100,000 SG RV See Note)