H 868 Massachusetts House · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act relative to further testing after a CSO event

This bill requires the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection to conduct water testing for bacteria and pollutants following combined sewage overflow events. The law mandates that testing occur at multiple downstream locations within a reasonable time after an overflow is reported, though it allows for suspension during winter months based on weather conditions. Additionally, the department must create an annual report and a predictive model to identify high-risk areas, requiring facilities with excessive bacteria levels to develop and receive approval for mitigation plans. Facilities that successfully implement these approved plans will be given priority for state stormwater funding, while the bill also strengthens requirements for permittees to report discharge volumes and install accurate metering equipment.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Apr 2024
Senate Passage
Mar 2024
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action Apr 29, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
10
Key actions
4
Committee
4
Apr 29, 2024
Lower · Passed
Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
lower
Apr 16, 2024
Committee
Recommitted to the committee on Environment and Natural Resources
lower
Apr 16, 2024
Lower · Passed
Reported from the committee on House Rules
lower
Mar 18, 2024
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Environment and Natural Resources
lower
1 primary · 4 co-sponsors

Sponsors