AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 41-67-4, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REDUCE THE TIME BY WHICH THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH MUST MAKE A DETERMINATION OF THE FEASIBILITY OF ESTABLISHING CENTRALIZED WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS IN A SUBDIVISION WHEN A DEVELOPER REQUESTS A DETERMINATION OF FEASIBILITY; TO AMEND SECTION 41-67-6, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REDUCE THE TIME BY WHICH THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH MUST MAKE A DETERMINATION OF SUITABILITY OF INDIVIDUAL ON-SITE WASTEWATER DISPOSAL SYSTEMS IN A SUBDIVISION WHEN A DEVELOPER REQUESTS A DETERMINATION OF SUITABILITY; TO BRING FORWARD SECTIONS 41-67-7 AND 41-67-11, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, FOR THE PURPOSE OF POSSIBLE AMENDMENT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
Impact
The changes proposed in HB 569 are expected to have significant implications for local developers and the overall real estate market in Mississippi. By expediting the approval process for both centralized and individual systems, the bill could facilitate faster development of subdivisions, especially in areas where centralized services are not feasible. This could lead to increased construction of housing units, potentially alleviating housing shortages in various regions and promoting economic growth by attracting more development projects.
Summary
House Bill 569 aims to amend existing regulations concerning wastewater disposal systems in subdivisions within Mississippi. The bill proposes to reduce the time frames by which the State Department of Health must determine both the feasibility of establishing centralized wastewater treatment systems and the suitability of individual on-site wastewater disposal systems when requested by a developer. Specifically, the time for these determinations is reduced from thirty days to twenty days, which proponents argue will expedite the process of development in the state.
Contention
While supporters of HB 569 argue that the bill streamlines regulatory processes, critics may view the reduced time frames as potentially compromising environmental and public health standards. There is concern that hastening approvals without thorough evaluations could lead to inadequately assessed developments, particularly in sensitive areas where wastewater management is critical to maintaining public health and environmental integrity. Additionally, the bill maintains provisions for individual systems to be installed where centralized systems are deemed unfeasible, but the implications of these installations on community health standards are a point of rigorous debate.
In general powers and duties of the Department of Public Welfare, providing for Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program; and making an editorial change.
Environmental protection: sewage; onsite wastewater treatment systems; regulate, and provide for assessments and evaluations. Amends secs. 12751, 12752, 12757 & 12771 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.12751 et seq.) & adds pt. 128.