§ 46-13.1-5. Groundwater protection study. (a) The department of environmental management is hereby authorized to conduct a statewide groundwater protection study to include:

(1) A complete and updated hydrogeologic study depicting the quantities and qualities of groundwater that could be available to specific areas for private or public drinking water;

(2) Present and projected demands for water for specific areas;

(3) Recommendations for the utilization of the state's groundwater resources, including integrated use with surface waters, for their greatest benefits;

(4) Recommendations for such major engineering works or special districts which may be necessary, including the need, timing, and general cost thereof;

(5) Recommendations for land use and other measures where appropriate. Pursuant to groundwater classifications as specified in § 46-13.1-4, to insure the desired quality and abundance of water;

(6) Consideration of the land and water resource needs of residential, recreational, agricultural, industrial, and commercial interests; and

(7) Recommendations for regional and local planning and programs for water use and management of land resources interfacing with groundwater resources.

(b) The director shall report the findings and recommendations of the groundwater protection study to the general assembly on or before February 28, 1988.

(c) The department of environmental management is hereby directed to make recommendations to identify the physical location of significant aquifers and the identification of any actual or potential harms to those aquifers, and the development of a plan to protect the aquifers from the identifiable harms.

(d) The director shall report the findings and recommendations of this portion of the groundwater protection study to the general assembly on or before February 28, 1987.

History of Section. (P.L. 1985, ch. 494, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch. 298, § 1.)