TO AMENDS LAW CONCERNING WATER PERMITS AND DISCHARGE OF WASTEWATER; TO AUTHORIZE DENIALS OF APPLICANTS THAT HAVE A HISTORY OF NONCOMPLIANCE; AND TO PROHIBIT CERTAIN DISCHARGE OF WASTEWATER.

Senate Bill 557 amends Arkansas law concerning water permits and wastewater discharge, affecting permit applicants, retail developers, and local officials. It authorizes the Division of Environmental Quality to deny wastewater permits to applicants with a history of environmental noncompliance, making denial mandatory if there are five or more noncompliance events within five years. The bill also prohibits certain wastewater discharges into ephemeral or intermittent streams and requires mail notification to residents near proposed new or modified permit facilities. Additionally, it mandates the Division of Environmental Quality to establish a method for local officials to receive immediate technical support during sewage or storm water emergencies.