Amendment #906 to H4400

Improving Water Quality and Pollution Control Programs

Mr. Rogers of Cambridge moves to amend the bill by adding the following section:

“SECTION XXXX. The Water Resources Commission, as established under section 8A of Chapter 21A of the General Laws, shall prepare a Massachusetts water quality and pollution control program report for the commonwealth, including a gap analysis, goals and recommendations for program improvements and comprehensive long-term funding. The report shall provide a program review and gap analysis, and recommendations to meet the goals of the Federal Clean Water Act, in not less than fifteen years from the enactment of this chapter, for all waters of the commonwealth ranging from restoring heavily impacted and impaired waters to conserving pristine waterways. Recommendations shall set goals and timelines for function and sustainability, including but not limited to staff capacity and resource needs for: performing scientific research; developing standards; conducting water quality monitoring, assessment, and reporting; completing water pollution control reports; providing technical assistance; and, executing permits including providing compliance assistance and enforcement sufficiently protective to meet program goals. Recommendations shall include potential funding sources to ensure secure, predictable and stable revenue streams to meet the needs of the program, including but not limited to appropriations, taxes, fees, and user charges. The commission shall prepare an interim report of findings within 9 months of its first meeting, a final report with specific recommendations for legislation, funding or administrative changes within 12 months of the first meeting, and proposed legislation to carry out its recommendations within report to the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture for review and comment.".

Additional co-sponsor(s) added to Amendment #906 to H4400

Improving Water Quality and Pollution Control Programs