A bill being advanced in the state Senate would see cities pay fines in the wake of sewage spills.
Sarasota state Senator Joe Gruters authored the bill, which would fine municipalities $1 for every gallon spilled.
To avoid paying the fine, a utility provider could also “spend $2 for each gallon (spilled) to upgrade or remediate the problems that gave rise to the unlawful discharge.”
The Herald-Tribune reports another bill would add the number of regulations on the spreading of biosolids, or human waste left over from the municipal sewage treatment process.
The two sewage-related bills are the first algae-related water quality regulation measures to gain traction this legislative session.