S.C.R. 5
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 5–Committee
on
Natural Resources
(On Behalf of Public Lands Subcommittee to
Study
Domestic and Municipal Water Wells)
February 15, 2001
____________
Referred to Committee on Legislative Affairs and Operations
SUMMARY—Directs Legislative Commission to conduct interim study of quality and quantity of ground water within State of Nevada. (BDR R‑310)
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EXPLANATION
– Matter in bolded italics is new; matter
between brackets [omitted material] is material to be omitted.
Green numbers along left margin indicate location on the printed bill (e.g., 5-15 indicates page 5, line 15).
SENATE Concurrent RESOLUTION—Directing the Legislative Commission to conduct an interim study concerning the quality and quantity of ground water within the State of Nevada.
1-1 Whereas, Nevada is located in an arid region where water is often in
1-2 short supply; and
1-3 Whereas, A large quantity of the water of this state is in the form of
1-4 ground water; and
1-5 Whereas, Many populated areas of this state rely upon domestic and
1-6 municipal wells for their supplies of water; and
1-7 Whereas, Many populated areas of this state also rely upon septic
1-8 tanks for the disposal of wastewater; and
1-9 Whereas, There are many areas within this state where the quantity of
1-10 water is not as grave a problem as the availability of water that is suitable
1-11 for public consumption; and
1-12 Whereas, A thorough examination of the laws and policies of this state
1-13 governing the use of ground water is vital to the continued prosperity and
1-14 public health of this state; now, therefore, be it
1-15 Resolved by the Senate of the State of Nevada, the Assembly
1-16 Concurring, That the Legislative Commission is hereby directed to
1-17 conduct an interim study of the quality and quantity of ground water in this
1-18 state; and be it further
1-19 Resolved, That the Legislative Commission shall appoint a
1-20 subcommittee, the members of which are representative of various
1-21 geographical areas of the state, consisting of:
1-22 1. Three members of the Senate Standing Committee on Natural
1-23 Resources; and
2-1 2. Three members of the Assembly Standing Committee on Natural
2-2 Resources; and be it further
2-3 Resolved, That the study must include, without limitation, an
2-4 examination of:
2-5 1. Whether there are sufficient controls in place to protect the quality
2-6 of ground water, especially with respect to septic tanks;
2-7 2. The availability and adequacy of data concerning the quality of
2-8 ground water;
2-9 3. The manner in which laws governing the division of land, including,
2-10 without limitation, chapter 278 of NRS, affect the quality and quantity of
2-11 ground water; and be it further
2-12 Resolved, That the Legislative Commission shall designate a chairman
2-13 of the subcommittee from among the members of the Senate appointed to
2-14 the subcommittee; and be it further
2-15 Resolved, That the subcommittee shall meet at least six times during
2-16 the interim and consult with an advisory committee consisting of eight
2-17 members who are representative of various geographical areas of the state
2-18 and are appointed by the subcommittee as follows:
2-19 1. A member who represents the Division of Water Resources of the
2-20 State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources;
2-21 2. A member who represents the Division of Environmental Protection
2-22 of the State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources;
2-23 3. A member who represents the Health Division of the Department of
2-24 Human Resources;
2-25 4. A member who represents the office of a county manager;
2-26 5. A member who represents a county whose population is less than
2-27 100,000 or the planning commission of such a county;
2-28 6. A member who represents a county whose population is 100,000 or
2-29 more or the regional planning commission of such a county;
2-30 7. A member who represents residential well owners; and
2-31 8. A member who represents residential housing developments that are
2-32 typically served by domestic wells and septic tanks; and be it further
2-33 Resolved, That the members of the advisory committee serve without
2-34 compensation, per diem allowance, travel expenses or other
2-35 reimbursement; and be it further
2-36 Resolved, That any recommended legislation proposed by the
2-37 subcommittee must be approved by a majority of the members of the
2-38 Senate and a majority of the members of the Assembly appointed to the
2-39 subcommittee; and be it further
2-40 Resolved, That the Legislative Commission shall submit a report of
2-41 the results of the study and any recommendations for legislation to the
2-42 72nd session of the Nevada Legislature.
2-43 H