Massachusetts House Bill H3550

Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/22/23
• Refer: 3/22/23
• Refer: 2/5/24

Caption

To protect water supplies and the environment

Impact

The bill mandates the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to recalculate safe yields for water basins utilizing recent data, particularly during critical summer months. This recalculation is key to ensuring that water resources are managed based on current conditions and demands. It also stipulates that streamflow will be critical in determining drought conditions, triggering necessary conservation measures when specific drought levels are reached in stressed basins. Overall, these rules aim to safeguard water supplies against depletion, thereby supporting sustainable environmental practices.

Summary

House Bill 3550 aims to enhance the protection of Massachusetts' water supplies and the overall environment. Proposed by Representative Kristin E. Kassner, the legislation introduces amendments to Chapter 21G of the General Laws, particularly focusing on the definitions of 'safe yield' and 'stress basin.' The new definition of safe yield emphasizes the maximum sustainable withdrawals from water sources without depleting them, factoring in elements like drought probability. Additionally, the bill seeks to establish a framework for identifying and managing environmentally stressed basins based on streamflow and habitat quality impairments.

Contention

There may be differing opinions on HB 3550 regarding the balance between environmental needs and water usage rights. Stakeholders such as municipalities, agriculture, and developers might raise concerns about potential restrictions on water withdrawals and necessary permits for well installations. While the bill aims for greater environmental protections, it may also lead to questions about the adequacy of water supply for various sectors. The local Boards of Health are given additional oversight by being required to implement permitting for well constructions and regular reporting to the DEP, which could further complicate local regulatory environments.