Introduced
by
To require bottled water producers that use more than 100,000 gallons of groundwater per day to undergo extensive permitting procedures, including the need to perform rigorous hydro-geological studies; assessments of the effects on flows and levels of groundwater, springs, lakes and streams, wetlands, or nearby wells; precipitation studies; pump tests; public hearings, and more. Under current law bottlers that use more than 250,000 gallons are required to demonstrate that this won’t have an adverse effect on water resources, or affect the right of other property owners to enjoy the reasonable use of groundwater. The bill is part of a legislative package consisting of House Bills 5065 to 5073 that would restrict and subject to extensive regulation the use of groundwater by industrial and commercial businesses.
Referred to the Committee on Great Lakes and Environment
Reported without amendment
With the recommendation that the substitute (H-6) be adopted and that the bill then pass.
Amendment offered
by
To remove the tie-bar in the bill to the other bills in the House water withdrawal regulation package, meaning this bill could become law even if those ones do not.
The amendment failed by voice vote
Passed in the House 99 to 9 (details)
To lower the threshold for requiring bottled water producers to get a state permit from pumping more than 250,000 gallons per day to 200,000 gallons for water sold outside the Great Lakes basis, and 100,000 if sold within the basin. Permit application would have to include an evaluation of existing environmental, hydrological, and hydrogeological conditions and the predicted hydrologic effects of the intended withdrawal.
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs
