Senate committee advances bill requiring studies for new bottled‑water plants in karst areas

The Senate Government Organization Committee voted to report originating bill No. 1 to the full Senate after hearing more than two hours of testimony on a bill that would add pre‑approval study and quarterly monitoring requirements for new bottled‑water operations in karst areas.

The bill would require any commercial operator defined as a "large quantity" user that intends to bottle groundwater in a designated karst area to prepare a hydrogeologic study and submit it to the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection for approval; the agency would have 60 days to act on the study, and, under the bill, could require reductions in withdrawals if monitoring showed a negative effect on existing users.

Supporters and opponents framed the bill as addressing competing priorities: the company proposing a major bottled‑water plant in Jefferson County described large private investment and job creation, while nearby residents and some lawmakers stressed the sensitivity of karst aquifers and the potential for private withdrawals to affect wells, springs and farms.

Bob McCluskey, an attorney with Jackson Kelly representing the project proponent, told the committee the measure would create legal uncertainty and delay for the project. "It will cause delay for this project that could be fatal to getting financing," McCluskey said, arguing the amendment…