AB-741 ‘The Huffman Bill’ Takes Effect Today to Help Prevent Groundwater Contamination
New Law Gives California Sewer Utilities More Financial Control Over Repair and Replacement of Sewer Laterals
SACRAMENTO, CA – Signed into law on July 26, 2011 by Governor Jerry Brown, authored by Assembly member Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael), AB-741 goes into effect today to prevent sewage spills and protect surface and groundwater from contamination.
AB 741 provides new flexibility to wastewater agencies and options for willing property owners to finance sewer improvements, which if left unrepaired, would lead to groundwater contamination and result in abatement orders for the agencies to clean up. The legislation authorizes public agencies to offer voluntary liens to property owners to finance septic and sewer improvements.
The conversions of septic systems to community sewer systems and the replacement or repair of damaged sewer laterals are needed to protect water quality and public health and safety. But the financial responsibility is on the property owner, and the costs can be exorbitant, discouraging property owners from making the investment.
However, the cost of not making these repairs is even greater for taxpayers. When aged and leaking sewage lines and septic tanks do not get fixed, the pressure mounts on our municipal sewage systems, increasing the risk of sewage overflows and groundwater contamination.
“This law provides an option to help property owners make needed onsite septic and sewer improvements, which will alleviate the need to spend public dollars cleaning up sewage overflows and contaminated groundwater,” said Assembly member Huffman. “It will also provide public benefits to water quality management, increase property values for private property owners, and create jobs.”
AB 741 was co-sponsored by Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) and North Bay Watershed Association.
“The Irvine Ranch Water District applauds Assembly member Huffman’s leadership on this issue,” said Steve LaMar, IRWD Board President. “As a co-sponsor of AB 741, we continually strive to find ways to further protect public health, water quality and the environment. AB 741 does just this and will be a valuable tool as communities within our service area and throughout the state consider converting from septic tanks to community sewer systems.”
The bill goes into effect Jan. 1, 2012.
CONTACT: Meda Freeman 707-591-6925 Meda.Freeman@asm.ca.gov