Amendment #17 to H5151

Creating a task force to conduct a comprehensive study on the most effective and efficient means of implementing a cistern program across the commonwealth

Ms. Hogan of Stow moves to amend the bill by adding the following section:

XXXX. (a) There shall be a task force established to conduct a comprehensive study on the most effective and efficient means of implementing a cistern program across the commonwealth. The task force shall study the costs, alternatives for developing water storage cisterns for areas of the state with insufficient water supplies for fire suppression, prioritizing cistern locations at the urban-wildland interface and in rural communities where water resources for use by the fire service to combat fires are limited.

 (b) The task force shall consist of 7 voting members that shall include: (i) the state fire marshal or their designee, who shall serve as chair; (ii) the director of the Massachusetts emergency management agency or their designee; (iii) the commissioner of the department of environmental protection or their designee; (iv) 1 member of the state board of building regulations and standards; (v) the chief fire warden of the department of conservation and recreation; (vi) a representative from the Fire Chiefs’ Association of Massachusetts, Inc. ; and (vii) 1 rural firefighter  , whom shall be appointed by the Fire Service Commission. The task force shall have 2 non-voting advisory members, 1 of whom shall be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives and 1 of whom shall be appointed by the president of the senate.

 (c) The study shall include, but not be limited to: (i) input and recommendations from the appropriate municipal representatives from communities with documented water access challenges for fire suppression; (ii) evaluating the optimal placement of cisterns based on fire risk and water access; (iii) ensuring that any cistern deployment strategy is based on data-driven decision-making and informed by industry best practices, and codes and standards set for in the National Fire Protection Association, Inc.’s  NFPA 1141  and NFPA 1142 ; (vi) opportunities for cistern alternatives, including dry hydrants and related infrastructure; (vii) the cost for the construction, installation and maintenance of 10 water storage cisterns, dry hydrants and related water infrastructure per year, at the wildland-urban interface and rural and urban communities throughout the commonwealth.

 (d) The task force shall prepare a report on its activities and on any findings and recommendations for implementing a statewide cistern program  including, but not limited to: (i) identifying priority areas for installation; (ii) potential cost and funding sources; and (iii) regulatory or legislative changes needed to facilitate implementation. Not later than December 31, 2026 , the task force shall submit its report to: (i) the secretary of public safety and security; (ii) the joint committee on public safety and homeland security; and (iii) the clerks of the house of representatives and senate.

Additional co-sponsor(s) added to Amendment #17 to H5151

Creating a task force to conduct a comprehensive study on the most effective and efficient means of implementing a cistern program across the commonwealth