SB 1311

Abstract

Water quality standards; modification of permits and certifications. Requires an applicant for a natural gas transmission pipeline greater than 36 inches inside diameter to submit in the application a detailed erosion and sediment control plan and stormwater management plan in accordance with applicable regulations and subject to Department of Environmental Quality (the Department) review, modification, or approval. The bill requires such plans to be included in the Department's draft certification and decreases from 15 percent to 10 percent the slope grade that requires the inclusion of a description of all activities that will occur in upland areas in such application. If such project fail to provide adequate plans, the bill directs the Department to deny rather than waive certification under the federal Clean Water Act.

Water quality standards; modification of permitsand certifications. Requires the Department of EnvironmentalQuality (the Department) to revise the applicable erosion and sedimentcontrol plan or stormwater management plan when a stop work orderhas been issued for violations related to certain pipelines to ensurecompliance with state water quality standards. The bill changes fromthe Department to the State Water Control Board (the Board) the entitythat approves such water quality standards and specifications forcertain pipelines. The bill requires an applicant seeking modificationor revocation of certain approvals or conditions from another stateor federal agency that is likely to result in an adverse impact tostate water quality to submit to the Board a copy of the requestfor such modification or revocation along with certain information.