Bill > H0422

This bill requires the Secretary of Natural Resources to mandate groundwater sample testing at the State Agricultural and Environmental Laboratory (State Laboratory) when investigating sites contaminated by hazardous materials. The legislation seeks to ensure high-quality, affordable, and accurate groundwater monitoring by prioritizing testing at the state-run laboratory. The Secretary can only bypass the State Laboratory if it cannot perform the required testing or if using a private laboratory would result in significant cost savings, which must be approved by the Secretary. The bill's findings highlight the importance of protecting water supply sources, keeping monitoring costs low, and benefiting both the state and water users by obtaining timely and accurate groundwater testing data. The new requirement will be added to existing environmental monitoring rules under 10 V.S.A. § 6608, and the act will take effect immediately upon passage.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.422