H.R. 2316 – Reading Mode

111th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. R. 2316

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

May 7, 2009

Mr. Baca (for himself and Mrs. Napolitano) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources

A BILL

To direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study of water resources in the State of California, and for other purposes.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Inland Empire Perchlorate Ground Water Plume Assessment Act of 2009.

Inland empire water resources study

(a)

In General

Not later than 2 years after funds are made available for this Act, the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the United States Geological Survey (referred to in this Act as the Secretary), in coordination with the State of California (referred to in this Act as the State) and any other entities that the Secretary determines to be appropriate (including other Federal agencies and institutions of higher education), shall complete a study of water resources in the State, including—

(1)

a survey of ground water resources, including an analysis of—

(A)

the delineation, either horizontally or vertically, of the aquifers in the Rialto-Colton basin within the State, including the quantity of water in the aquifers;

(B)

the availability of ground water resources for human use;

(C)

the salinity of ground water resources;

(D)

the identification of a recent surge in perchlorate concentrations in ground water, whether significant sources are being flushed through the vadose zone, or if perchlorate is being remobilized;

(E)

the identification of impacts and extents of all source areas that contribute to the regional plume to be fully characterized;

(F)

the potential of the ground water resources to recharge;

(G)

the interaction between ground water and surface water;

(H)

the susceptibility of the aquifers to contamination, including identifying the extent of commingling of plume emanating within surrounding areas in San Bernardino County, California; and

(I)

any other relevant criteria; and

(2)

a characterization of surface and bedrock geology, including the effect of the geology on ground water yield and quality.

(b)

Study Areas

The study carried out under subsection (a) shall include the Rialto-Colton Basin in the State.

(c)

Report

Not later than 2 years after funds are made available for this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives a report that describes the results of the study.