Committee hears broad support and concerns on update to Groundwater Quality Protection Act

Senate Bill 1154 (dash-A3) would revise the 1989 Groundwater Quality Protection Act to strengthen early detection and response for groundwater contamination, clarify agency roles, and set procedures for local committees, assessments and action plans when contamination is detected.

Chandra Ferrari, natural resources policy adviser with the governor’s office, summarized why the bill was proposed: groundwater constitutes approximately 95% of Oregon’s freshwater and supplies some or all of the drinking water for roughly 80% of Oregonians and 90% of rural residents. SB 1154 creates clearer criteria and agency responsibilities for designating groundwater quality "areas of concern" (a yellow-light stage) and groundwater quality management areas (GUMAs, a red-light stage), requires formation of local committees for voluntary implementation plans, and authorizes the governor to appoint a lead agency and interagency team to develop action plans when a GUMA is…