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Committee adopts local‑approval amendment to allow some homeowners to install private sewage systems; utilities urge caution
Summary
HB235, which would allow property owners in some nonmunicipal areas to install approved private on‑site sewage treatment systems even where community sewer exists, was reported with amendments requiring local governing‑authority approval. Private utilities and Ascension Parish officials warned the change could undermine regional projects; the committee adopted a local-approval amendment and reported the bill with amendments.
Representative Brian Fontenot introduced HB235 to permit property owners to install individual on-site sewage treatment systems in some circumstances, arguing that failing privately run community systems and rising rates have left residents with poor service and high monthly costs.
The committee engaged in extended questioning about oversight, environmental risk, and rate impacts. Utility representatives from National Water Infrastructure and Ascension Parish officials explained their ongoing regional project would remove dozens of small, failing package plants and move treated wastewater outside local watersheds; they warned that opt-outs could jeopardize regional planning and the finance models regulated by the Louisiana Public Service Commission.
To address local control and environmental concerns, the committee adopted an amendment making any private on-site installation "subject to approval of the local governing authority where the property is located." Ascension Parish officials asked that their sale of parish assets to NWI (approved by local vote) be preserved; the chair noted local government action and prior voter approval effectively protect existing deals. The bill was reported with amendments to add the local-approval requirement.
Stakeholders and members asked for future technical briefings from DEQ, LDH and the PSC to clarify permitting, discharge limits and rate‑base questions before floor action.
