Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Water Resources topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Senate rejects karst-monitoring amendment to water/sewer bill; sponsor seeks one-day carryover
Summary
The Senate voted down an amendment that would have required groundwater monitoring by USGS and DEP before certain bottling operations begin in karst aquifers. The amendment failed on a roll call, 15-19; the sponsor then asked to lay the bill over one day while retaining its place on the calendar.
The Senate debated an amendment to the committee substitute for House Bill 31 74, which addresses municipal responsibilities when potential customers apply for water and sewer service. Senator Barrett offered a strike-and-insert amendment that would add requirements for groundwater monitoring and limits on withdrawals in sensitive karst aquifers, targeted at proposed large-volume water bottling operations.
Proponents of the amendment said the language would protect residents’ water supplies in karst terrain, require coordination with the U.S. Geological Survey and the Department of Environmental Protection, and permit the secretary of the Department of Health to limit withdrawal if negative impacts on existing users are detected. Supporters described the measure as modest monitoring to prevent harm to nearby wells and farms.
Opponents called the amendment an overly broad statewide restriction that could discourage economic development. Senator Logan raised a point of order questioning germaneness; the presiding officer found the amendment germane. Senators from Summers and others said the amendment would affect large portions of the state and could limit future industry siting.
After debate, the Senate recorded a roll-call vote on the amendment. The clerk reported 15 yays and 19 nays; the amendment was rejected. The sponsor then requested unanimous consent to lay the bill over one day while retaining its place on the calendar; the request was ordered.
Because the amendment was rejected, the underlying bill will remain on the calendar; the sponsor has requested further consideration at a later date. The Senate did not take final passage on the underlying bill during the April 10 session.
Floor discussion included repeated references to karst aquifers’ sensitivity, the limited scope of the amendment as drafted (apply to bottling and resale operations in karst terrain), and concerns that the amendment would be a statewide restriction affecting mining, data centers or other industries if misapplied. The bill’s status after the one-day carryover was left to further action by the sponsor and committees.
