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