Relates to the reissuance of permits for the inactive wells that access a sole source aquifer in certain counties

Title of bill

An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to the operation of certain inactive wells

Purpose

The purpose of this bill is to require the DEC to conduct a full environmental quality review be undertaken for wells accessing a sole source aquifer in a county with a population of two million or more that have been inactive for the purposes of water withdrawal at least two years.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 amends section 15-1527 of the environmental conservation law to invalidate permits for water wells accessing a sole source aquifer in a county with a population of two million or more that have been inactive for water withdrawal purposes for two years or more, and to require a state environmental quality review prior to reissuance of such permits.

Section 2 sets the effective date.

Justification

Protecting Long Island's sole source aquifer is critical to the health and wellbeing of millions of the state's residents. Although the importance of this resource is indisputable, ensuring its protection requires maximum coordination from all parts of Long Island and New York state.

Each time a well is tapped for water withdrawal creates an effect on the entire of the aquifer, especially those communities adjacent thereto. Therefore careful consideration must be given when reopening public supply wells that have been abandoned for withdrawal even if said wells have existing permits. This bill will ensure a proper State review on the environmental impact in these instances and require that such wells not be reopened absent a proper review confirming no adverse impact to surrounding communities or the sole source aquifer.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

Immediately and shall apply to any such public supply well that has not been used for the withdrawal and public supply of water for over two years on the effective date of this chapter.