Bill > H3412

This bill establishes a special review committee to study the use and sale of effluent water, which is treated wastewater, in cooling towers. This nine-member committee will include representatives from the House and Senate, including chairs of the environment committee, appointees from the Attorney General and Governor with specific expertise in consumer protection, wastewater treatment, environmental science, and the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting process, and a nominee from the Taunton River Watershed Alliance. The committee is tasked with holding public meetings to discuss the environmental and health risks, as well as costs associated with using effluent in cooling towers, and will compile data on current and potential uses, identify negative impacts on public health and the environment, and ensure adequate treatment guidelines and costs for returned wastewater. Within 13 months of its first meeting, the committee must submit a report with legislative or regulatory recommendations to state leadership.