The bill H.422, introduced by Representatives Masland, Branagan, Holcombe, and Olson, aims to enhance groundwater monitoring at sites contaminated by hazardous materials. It mandates that the Secretary of Natural Resources require groundwater samples to be tested at the State Agricultural and Environmental Laboratory (State Laboratory) unless the laboratory is unable to perform the necessary tests or if using a private laboratory would significantly reduce costs for the State or the site owner. The bill emphasizes the importance of high-quality laboratory analysis in protecting public and private water supplies and ensuring that monitoring costs remain manageable, particularly when a post-closure fund is available for such expenses.

The bill includes several findings that highlight the critical nature of groundwater testing near contaminated sites and the benefits of using the State Laboratory for testing to keep costs low. It amends current law by adding a new section that specifies the conditions under which groundwater testing must occur at the State Laboratory, reinforcing the goal of affordable and timely testing data for affected water users. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 10-6608