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Committee backs bill requiring annual inspections of permitted MS4 stormwater systems
Summary
The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism and Economic Development voted to report favorably on CS for Senate Bill 810, which would require municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) to conduct annual operation and maintenance inspections and identify infrastructure vulnerable to failure.
Senators on the Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism and Economic Development voted to report favorably on CS for Senate Bill 810, sponsored by Senator Burgess, which would require annual operation and maintenance inspections of permitted municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s). The committee also adopted a strike-all amendment (barcode 909860) that replaced a broader ‘‘known works’’ definition with the MS4 definition and clarified inspection requirements.
The bill’s sponsor, Senator Burgess, said the measure responds to recent hurricanes — named in committee as Debbie, Helene and Milton — that produced historic flooding, left residents trapped in rising waters and caused widespread property damage. Burgess told senators the amendment narrows which structures are inspected and seeks a baseline inspection followed by annual checks of those systems identified as significantly vulnerable to blockage, deterioration or failure.
Senator Smith asked whether the measure would incorporate a risk-based approach to prioritize inspections. Burgess replied the committee intends a two-step approach: a baseline inspection of all permitted MS4 structures to identify vulnerabilities, followed by annual inspections focused on those facilities whose failure would likely cause substantial flooding. Burgess said the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) would remain within its current permitting framework and that interoperable information sharing with DEM was intended rather than a separate notice requirement.
There was one appearance form on the bill: Kevin Coin of the Florida Stormwater Association indicated he was waving in opposition. No other public testimony was recorded in the committee minutes for this item. The amendment (barcode 909860) was adopted by voice vote; the committee then adopted the committee substitute version of the bill and reported it favorably by roll call.
CS for Senate Bill 810 now moves to the next committee or floor process according to standard legislative procedure.
