Lawmakers pass bill to help water providers recoup treatment costs

By David M. Schwartz with Newsday

Originally published in Newsday

The measure, sponsored by Sen. James Gaughran (D-Huntington), clarifies when the three-year statute of limitations starts for water providers to sue polluters. The bill passed the Senate last month.

Gaughran, former chairman of the Suffolk County Water Authority, said it “closes a loophole” and will help prevent ratepayers from picking up the full cost of treatment.

"I think the practical effect you'll see over a period of time is hundreds of millions of dollars in awards to public entities from polluters who caused the problem in the first place," Gaughran said.

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