The proposed bill would update current groundwater statutes by introducing new definitions such as “approved remedial action project” and “remedial groundwater”, which clarify the scope of projects approved by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) for recovering contaminated sites. It would allow individuals using remedial groundwater to comply with management goals for assured water supply (AWS) certificates and permit the withdrawal of up to 65,000 acre-feet of remedial groundwater for approved projects. Additionally, the bill mandates that by January 1, 2026, the director must amend rules to ensure that groundwater withdrawn for these projects aligns with management goals. The bill also requires detailed notifications from those applying for AWS certificates regarding their use of remedial groundwater, including specifics about the volume, time period, and purpose of withdrawal. It would repeal outdated provisions and require the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) to start accepting applications for the remedial groundwater program within 90 days of the bill's enactment. Overall, these updates aim to enhance groundwater management in Arizona while ensuring compliance with environmental standards.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 45-561, 45-576.01, 45-581, 45-581.01, 45-581.02, 49-201, 45-802.01, 45-402, 45-564, 45-568, 45-463, 49-282.03, 45-576, 45-576.03, 45-858.01, 45-859.01, 45-860.01, 45-632