HF 2288

as introduced - 86th Legislature (2009 - 2010) Posted on 02/09/2010 02:01am

A bill for an act
relating to natural resources; appropriating money to inventory, assess, and
monitor springs.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. new text begin MINNESOTA SPRINGS INITIATIVE.
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new text begin $....... in fiscal year 2010 is appropriated from the clean water fund to the
commissioner of natural resources to inventory, assess, and monitor the state's springs on
a comprehensive statewide basis in order to protect and enhance water quality in lakes,
rivers, and streams fed by springs and to protect groundwater from degradation. As part
of this initiative, the commissioner shall:
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new text begin (1) inventory the state's springs by collecting and consolidating data from existing
sources and conducting field surveys in cold water and cool water streams across the state;
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new text begin (2) establish a statewide network to monitor spring flow and water quality to provide
information about aquifer characteristics and withdrawals and land use impacts on
groundwater and surface waters fed by springs; and
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new text begin (3) develop springshed maps that identify the contribution areas for springs and a
methodology to be used to assess spring vulnerability.
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new text begin The commissioner shall make data collected under this section available on the
department's Web site.
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