This bill reduces the fine for state agencies and their contractors that violate the Georgia Water Quality Control Act.  It also gives them 30 days to cure any violations before being subject to the fine.  Further, the bill expands the authority of the Erosion and Sediment Control Overview Council to include the mediation of disputes over the issuance of orders or levying of fines by EPD.

This bill revises procedures for local governments to come into compliance with EPD water/wastewater pollution rules; making it clear that the EPD Director may notify the violator in writing of the opportunity to perform voluntary remedial action via consent order and authorizing the Director to require a bond or letter of credit to ensure compliance instead of a traditional fine. If a consent order to comply is violated, the local government may have its bond or letter of credit forfeited with that money being deposited into a new fund at the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority to help pay for these compliance projects.