H765 - Regulatory Reform Act of 2015, Sec. 4.8A: Study Standards for Hexavalent Chromium and Vanadium (SL 2015-286)

Overview: Sec. 4.8A of S.L. 2015-286 directs the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) (formerly the Department of Environment and Natural Resources), in conjunction with the Department of Health and Human Services, to study the State's groundwater standards, or State Interim Allowable Maximum Contaminant Levels (IMAC), as applicable, as well as State health screening levels, for hexavalent chromium and vanadium relative to other southeastern states' standards for these contaminants and the federal maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for these contaminants under the Safe Drinking Water Act, in order to identify appropriate standards to protect public health, safety, and welfare; the environment; and natural resources. In addition, DEQ must evaluate background standards for these contaminants where they naturally occur in groundwater in the State. DEQ must submit an interim report no later than November 1, 2015, and a final report no later than April 1, 2016, to the Environmental Review Commission and the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services with any pertinent findings or recommendations, including any legislative proposals that it deems advisable.

This section became effective October 22, 2015.