Lawmakers passed a bill that will allow public water authorities to take water polluters to court in New York.
The legislation closes a loophole that enabled polluters to dodge legal action.
Public water authorities would have three years to sue polluters once contamination is detected – instead of when the contamination occurred.
Lawmakers say this will hold water polluters responsible for decades of poor chemical storage and irresponsible dumping on Long Island.
Damages recovered would be used to cover the cost of water remediation.
The legislation awaits a signature from Governor Andrew Cuomo.
