TALLAHASSEE, Florida — A representative of sewage treatment utilities asked a state Senate committee Tuesday to consider making changes to a 2021 state law that sets a goal of eliminating plant discharges by 2032.
Alicia Keeter, executive director of the Florida Rural Water Association, told the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee that state regulators need authority to consider efforts being made by utilities on a case-by-case basis.
The 2021 changes in S.B. 64 established a goal of eliminating “nonbeneficial” discharges from sewage treatment plants by 2032. Utilities can meet the requirements if 90 percent of treated wastewater is being reused.
Keeter said deadline delays and more funding are needed to help many utilities meet the law’s requirements. And she said regulators need to consider loosening restrictions for utilities that are making efforts to meet the law’s requirements.
