What does Preamble of Water Infrastructure Improvement Act do?

This bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. It establishes an integrated planning process. The bill aims to promote green infrastructure.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Water Infrastructure Improvement Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Water Infrastructure Improvement Act.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Water Infrastructure Improvement Act do?

This section defines terms used within the Act. The term 'Administrator' refers to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. The term 'Municipality' is defined by section 502 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1362).

What does INTEGRATED PLANS. of Water Infrastructure Improvement Act do?

This section amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to establish 'integrated plans' for municipal stormwater and wastewater management. An 'integrated plan' is defined as a plan developed in accordance with the Integrated Municipal Stormwater and Wastewater Planning Approach Framework, issued by the EPA on June 5, 2012. Municipalities may develop integrated plans that can be incorporated into permits, potentially integrating requirements related to combined sewer overflows, sewer system management, stormwater discharge, wastewater discharge, and water quality-based effluent limitations. Permits incorporating integrated plans may include compliance schedules extending beyond a single permit term, subject to state water quality standards and federal regulations. The legislation retains existing authorities and flexibility under the Act, including state authority to revise water quality standards. The Administrator is required to inform municipalities of the opportunity to develop integrated plans during enforcement actions. Municipalities under administrative orders or consent decrees may request modifications based on developed integrated plans. The Administrator must submit a report to Congress within two years of the Act's enactment detailing integrated plans developed and implemented, including control measures, costs, and schedules.

What does MUNICIPAL OMBUDSMAN. of Water Infrastructure Improvement Act do?

This section establishes an Office of the Municipal Ombudsman within the Office of the Administrator. The Municipal Ombudsman is responsible for providing technical assistance to municipalities regarding compliance with the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. The Ombudsman also provides information to the Administrator to ensure consistent implementation of EPA policies. The Municipal Ombudsman must work with EPA offices to inform municipalities about available financial assistance, flexibility under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, and integrated planning opportunities. The Ombudsman is required to publish information on the EPA website regarding technical assistance, financial assistance, flexibility, and resources related to integrated plans. The website will also include copies of permits, orders, or consent decrees implementing integrated plans.

What does GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE. of Water Infrastructure Improvement Act do?

This section amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to define 'green infrastructure'. The definition of 'green infrastructure' includes measures using plant or soil systems, permeable surfaces, stormwater harvest, or landscaping. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator is directed to promote and coordinate the use of green infrastructure in various EPA activities. The Administrator must coordinate efforts with other federal agencies, state, tribal, and local governments, and the private sector. Regional EPA offices are directed to promote green infrastructure within their regions, considering local factors. The Administrator is tasked with promoting green infrastructure information-sharing through a website and providing technical assistance.

Back to bills

Water Infrastructure Improvement Act

Last updated: 1/14/2019 · Introduced: 12/12/2018

Author: Bob Gibbs (R-OH)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes 'integrated plans' for municipal stormwater and wastewater management, allowing for extended compliance schedules and integration of various requirements into permits.
It creates an Office of the Municipal Ombudsman within the EPA to provide technical assistance and information to municipalities regarding compliance and available resources.
The bill formally defines 'green infrastructure' and directs the EPA to promote its use across various activities and coordinate with other entities.

115th CongressenactedOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 4 more.

6 sections

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