Water Well Journal
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/692787
Congress Releases Draft Water Resources Development Act T he House Transportation and Infra- structure Committee released its draft Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) legislation. The legislation takes a much narrower perspective than the Senate version, which passed out of committee in April. The House bill fo- cuses on authorizing and deauthorizing several billion dollars in Army Corps of Engineers projects, and also contains provisions allowing for the evaluation of aquifer storage and recovery as part of a water storage plan in drought- stricken states. Senate legislation had substantial provisions for drinking water infrastruc- ture, including the NGWA-supported Water Systems Costs Savings Act. House legislation was drafted with a much more limited jurisdiction, even though the House did not express opposition to including drinking water provisions if the legislation got to conference. House introduction of WRDA legis- lation increases the likelihood House and Senate leaders could get to confer- ence this year. Both House and Senate bills have received bipartisan support. A conference would set up an opportunity for the Savings Act to be included and signed into law. USDA Announces Water for Agriculture Challenge The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced nearly $11 million in re- search grants for the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Water for Agriculture Challenge. This AFRI Challenge addresses some critical water resource issues such as drought, excess soil moisture, flooding, quality, and others in an agricultural context. Funding will be used to de- velop management practices, technolo- gies, and tools for farmers, ranchers, forest owners and managers, public decision makers, public and private managers, and citizens to improve the quantity and quality of water resources. A range of applicants, including non- profits, are encouraged to apply. The grants closing period is August 4. The request for applications asks applicants to address efforts to conserve ground- water, among other required elements. As agriculture is the largest use of groundwater in the United States, grants to support efforts to conserve critical water resources will aid in NGWA's efforts to promote sustainability and efficient irrigation practices. EPA Issues Oil and Gas Sector Emission Standards T he U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued new air emissions standards in the oil and gas sector for new, reconstructed, and modified sources. The focus of the rule is on air emis- sions for greenhouse gas and volatile or- ganic compounds, but the rule also deals with handling of liquids which have po- tential to contaminate surface water and groundwater resources. The rule includes volatile organic compound (VOC) and greenhouse gas emission standards for certain new, modified, and reconstructed equipment, processes, and activities across the oil NEWS from page 10 waterwelljournal.com 12 July 2016 WWJ