SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5253

BYSenators Metcalf, Saling, Stratton and West

Protecting federally designated sole source aquifers.

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 25, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Amondson, Vice Chairman; Barr, Benitz, DeJarnatt, Kreidler, Owen, Patterson.

Senate Staff:Gary Wilburn (786-7453)

                  March 3, 1989

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 3, 1989

BACKGROUND:

The federal Safe Drinking Water Act authorizes the administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to determine that an aquifer is the sole or principal drinking water source for the area, and, if contaminated, would create a significant hazard to public health.  Designation of such an aquifer limits federal financial assistance to projects which may contaminate the aquifer, and qualifies the area for participation in the federal sole source aquifer demonstration program.

SUMMARY:

State and local agencies are to give the highest priority to the protection of federally designated sole source aquifers, as well as other ground waters which are the sole source of drinking waters.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Stan Springer, Department of Ecology, (for)