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GA HB1301
Bill
Status
Introduced
3/9/2010
Primary Sponsor
Mike Cheokas
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AI Summary
- Enacts the "River Basin Protection Act" as a new article in Georgia's water resources code, establishing a permitting process for interbasin transfers of water exceeding 100,000 gallons per day across 14 named river basins (including the Chattahoochee, Flint, Savannah, and others)
- Requires the Environmental Protection Division director to issue or deny interbasin transfer permits for terms of no more than 10 years, with a mandatory review at the end of the fifth year and the authority to modify permits
- Mandates applicants demonstrate there are no cost-effective alternatives to the transfer, implement water conservation procedures, and return nonconsumptive water to the basin of origin when feasible
- Requires public notice to affected local governments and utilities at least 30 days before action on an application, with a public hearing triggered by request from a local government, public utility, or 20 or more citizens
- Exempts agricultural withdrawals on contiguous land spanning two basins and water transfers associated with mining or product shipment, and prohibits a county receiving transferred water from further transferring it to a third county except to satisfy critical needs
Legislative Description
River Basin Protection Act; enact
Last Action
House Second Readers
3/10/2010
Committee Referrals
Natural Resources and Environment3/9/2010
Full Bill Text
No bill text available