 National Association of Counties * Washington, D.C. Vol. 31, No. 9 * May 10, 1999 Previous story | Table of Contents | Next story Beach monitoring bill passes House By Diane S. Shea
The House approved a bill late last month that would require states to update water quality standards for "coastal recreation areas," monitor for pathogens and inform the public about excess levels of pathogens. By voice vote the House approved on April 22, H.R. 999, the Beaches Environmental Assessment, Cleanup and Health Act, introduced by Rep. Brian Bilbray (R-Calif.). The bill would give coastal states three years to adopt water quality standards, after which EPA is authorized to step in and develop them for states that fail to comply. Coastal states would need to meet EPA-established performance criteria on the frequency and location of monitoring sites, as well as the methods for detecting pathogens. States would have the authority to delegate these responsibilities to local governments. The bill would establish grants for states to implement the monitoring and public notification. However if a state chose not to apply, a local government would be eligible for funding. Authorization for the grants program would be set at $30 million annually through the year 2004. Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) has introduced a companion bill (S. 522) in the Senate, but no hearings have yet been scheduled. |