SB 1689 Summary

• Creates the Oklahoma Water Center as a water science and research advisory council within the Oklahoma Water Resources Board to implement the Oklahoma Comprehensive Water Plan updated in 2011.

• Appoints council members from state and federal agencies and institutions of higher education; members serve without compensation but may receive travel reimbursement.

• Establishes the Oklahoma Water Center to review federal and state assistance opportunities for water-related environmental infrastructure, resource protection, and development projects including water supply, treatment, and quality protection.

• Amends groundwater law (82 O.S. 2001, Section 1020.2) to exempt mining operations from groundwater regulations except when water originates from sensitive sole source groundwater basins.

• Effective date is July 1, 2010, with emergency declaration for immediate implementation.