state waters; rules; ecological services

SB 1595 amends Arizona's water quality regulations to establish state rules for discharging pollutants into protected waters. It creates permit programs for point-source discharges (including into federally protected waters and non-WOTUS waters), requires monitoring for pollutants, and exempts certain activities like routine farming, ranching, and drainage maintenance. The bill also sets fees for permits and requires dischargers to collect samples and maintain records, with fees deposited into a dedicated water quality fund. These rules apply directly to facilities, landowners, and agencies managing water quality, while aligning with federal Clean Water Act requirements.