An amendment numbered 13 printed in the Congressional Record to add a new section providing use of molecular diagnostics for monitoring and assessing coastal recreation waters.

1. Adds SEC. 11. USE OF MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTICS FOR MONITORING AND ASSESSING COASTAL RECREATION WATERS at the end of the bill

   Adds a section

   Inserted: SEC. 11. USE OF MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTICS FOR MONITORING AND ASSESSING COASTAL RECREATION WATERS.

   Inserted: (a) Study.--The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall conduct a study to assess the benefits of using molecular diagnostics for monitoring and assessing the quality of coastal recreation waters adjacent to beaches and similar points of access that are used by the public.

   Inserted: (b) Contents.--In conducting the study, the Administrator shall--

   Inserted: (1) to the extent practicable, evaluate the full range of available rapid testing methods, as defined by section 502 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1362), and methods that meet prescribed performance standards, including--

   Inserted: (A) the amplified nucleic acid assay method; and

   Inserted: (B) the indicator organisms enterococci and E. coli; and

   Inserted: (2) compare the use of molecular diagnostics to culture testing of same source water, including the time for obtaining results, accuracy of results, and future applicability.

   Inserted: (c) Partnerships.--Notwithstanding chapter 63 of title 31, United States Code, the Administrator may award a grant or cooperative agreement to a public or private organization to assist the Administrator in carrying out the study.

   Inserted: (d) Report to Congress.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall transmit to Congress a report on the results of the study.

   Inserted: (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.

   Original wording

   At the end of the bill, add the following:

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As printed