OK HB1931

The Oklahoma Water Resources Board shall develop a strategic plan for improving water quality and preventing pollution in Lake Wister and its watershed, with assistance from the Department of Environmental Quality, Corporation Commission, Department of Agriculture Food and Forestry, Department of Wildlife Conservation, and Oklahoma Conservation Commission.

The coordinated watershed-based restoration and protection strategy must be submitted by July 1, 2012, and shall identify permitted pollution sources, establish pollutant-specific load reduction goals aligned with water quality standards, assign load reduction targets to each agency, and provide detailed compliance schedules.

The strategy shall include industry-specific descriptions of how load reductions will be accomplished, outline innovative intrastate and interstate cooperative strategies, collect and review data on carcinogens and pathogens in Lake Wister, and describe pollution reduction efforts including floating wetlands, riprap structures, and poultry litter subsurface equipment availability.

The Oklahoma Water Resources Board shall prepare annual progress reports submitted to the Governor, President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and Speaker of the House that include revisions and updates to the original strategy.

The bill declares an emergency, making it effective upon passage and approval.