DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of
the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of
the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
James HB No. 1120
Abstract: Determines that the Southern Hills Aquifer System is an area of groundwater concern
and a critical area of groundwater concern and implements limitations on withdrawals of
groundwater from that aquifer system.
Proposed law determines that the Southern Hills Aquifer System is an area of groundwater
concern and a critical area of groundwater concern. Defines terms.
Requires the commissioner of conservation to limit the use and withdrawal of groundwater in the
Southern Hills Aquifer System as follows:
(1)Each new facility established after Aug. 1, 2014, shall be limited to 500,000 gallons of
groundwater per day.
(2)On or before Aug. 1, 2020, each facility that uses groundwater from the Southern Hills
Aquifer System shall be limited to 500,000 gallons of groundwater per day.
Further requires the commission to reduce the water usage from the Southern Hills Aquifer
System by any facility located within one mile of the Mississippi River as follows:
(1)Beginning on Aug. 1, 2015, the facility shall be limited to 80% of the facility's average
daily water use rate.
(2)Beginning on Aug. 1, 2016, the facility shall be limited to 60% of the facility's average
daily water use rate.
(3)Beginning on Aug. 1, 2017, the facility shall be limited to 40% of the facility's average
daily water use rate.
(4)Beginning on Aug. 1, 2018, the facility shall be limited to 20% of the facility's average
daily water use rate.
(5)Beginning on Aug. 1, 2019, the facility shall be limited to 12% of the facility's average
daily water use rate.
Present law creates the Capital Area Groundwater Conservation District consisting of the
parishes of E. Baton Rouge, E. Feliciana, Pointe Coupee, W. Baton Rouge, and W. Feliciana and provides for the powers, duties, functions, and responsibilities of the commission. Proposed law
provides for the commission to take steps to prevent waste of groundwater in the district by
enforcing the withdrawal limitations provided in proposed law.
Present law provides for apportioning groundwater from an aquifer on the basis of a "just and
equitable share" based on the demonstrable geologic and hydrologic data taking into
consideration the volume of groundwater in storage, the maximum perennial recharge potential,
and any groundwater use priorities established by the board. Proposed law subjects the "just and
equitable share" to the limitations set forth in proposed law.
(Amends R.S. 38:3073(11); Adds R.S. 38:3076(A)(25) and 3097.9)