Summary as Introduced
Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Provides that, in the case of water main installation projects, all water main-related appurtenances, and specifically fire hydrants and valves, shall be included in the Agency's written approval of specified public water supply plans. Requires fire hydrants and valves to be designed and installed in accordance with specified standards.
Staff Analysis
Overview of Amendment 1 to SB 224
Senate Amendment 1 replaces the original bill and instead makes targeted updates to Section 15 of the Environmental Protection Act (415 ILCS 5/15).
Key Changes to Current Law
Expanded Scope of IEPA Authority
Current law requires that plans and specifications for changes to public water supplies be approved by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA), but it does not explicitly address fire hydrants and valves.
This amendment expressly includes fire hydrants and valves under IEPA’s regulatory review for water main installation projects if they are:
• Owned and controlled by a public water supply, and
• Located in a public right-of-way or utility easement.
Impact of Change: This change in law would make it clear and mandatory that all such components (not just water mains) are subject to IEPA’s review and written approval. Previously, some of these elements may have fallen into regulatory gray areas.
Exclusive Design and Permitting Authority
The amendment states that “design review and permitting of water main and fire hydrants is the sole responsibility of the Agency.”
Impact of Change: This change to the law would removes or limits the authority of other entities (e.g., local governments, fire protection districts, or municipalities) to independently impose or enforce design standards for water mains and hydrants, unless the hydrants are part of a plumbing system. It centralizes authority with the IEPA for consistency and regulatory clarity.
Clarifies Jurisdiction Over Plumbing System Hydrants
The amendment makes a distinction between hydrants that are part of a public water supply and those connected to a building’s internal plumbing system.
• Public water supply hydrants would be under IEPA jurisdiction.
• Plumbing system hydrants would be regulated under the Illinois Plumbing License Law and related local ordinances.
Impact of Change: This change would help avoid jurisdictional conflicts by clarifying that hydrants tied to building plumbing are not subject to IEPA review under this section, but rather plumbing codes.
Overall Effect on Illinois Law and Stakeholders
For Local Governments and Fire Protection Districts:
• Local input or control over hydrant placement, design, or permitting could be diminished.
• May impact local fire departments’ influence over hydrant spacing or specifications.
For Public Water Suppliers (including counties and municipalities):
• Must include all hydrants and valves in IEPA permit applications, increasing the scope of required documentation.
• Potential for longer review times or added engineering costs due to new requirements.
For Regulatory Consistency
• Centralizes authority within IEPA, reducing fragmentation and potential for conflicting standards across jurisdictions.
Summary
This amendment represents a significant clarification and expansion of the IEPA’s role in overseeing public water infrastructure, especially water main and hydrant installations. It aims to standardize permitting and design review, but may also limit local flexibility and increase administrative demands on public water suppliers, including counties and municipalities.