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IN SB0431
Bill
Status
1/12/2015
Primary Sponsor
Rick Niemeyer
Click for details
AI Summary
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Expands the definition of "dewatering well" to include water wells or pump systems used in mining projects to remove water from areas being mined, in addition to temporary construction dewatering wells.
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Authorizes the DNR director to declare a ground water emergency when a dewatering well causes a significant ground water withdrawal facility to fail to produce sufficient water for its intended beneficial use.
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Limits compensation ordered by the director in dewatering well emergencies to either restoring the affected facility to its former water production capability or providing an alternative water supply to replace lost water.
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Establishes definitions for "beneficial use" including domestic, agricultural, industrial, commercial, power generation, energy conversion, public water supply, waste assimilation, navigation, fish and wildlife, and recreation purposes.
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Becomes effective July 1, 2015.
Legislative Description
DNR director authority over dewatering wells. Amends the law concerning the emergency regulation of ground water rights to: (1) include within the definition of "dewatering well" a water well or pump system that is used as part of a mining project to remove water from an area being mined; (2) authorize the director of the department of natural resources (director) to declare a ground water emergency when an investigation discloses that a dewatering well has caused a significant ground water withdrawal facility to fail to produce water in a quantity sufficient for the beneficial use for which the facility owner
Last Action
First Reading: referred to Committee on Environmental Affairs
1/12/2015