Revision: Feb. 22, 2023, 9:24 a.m.
Senate Finance
February 21, 2023
2023-0635s
08/07
Amendment to SB 123-FN
Amend RSA 485-C:6, I as inserted by section 1 of the bill by replacing it with the following:
I. The commissioner shall establish and adopt ambient groundwater quality standards for regulated contaminants which adversely affect human health or the environment. Ambient groundwater standards shall apply to all regulated contaminants which result from human operations or activities, but do not apply to naturally occurring contaminants. Where state maximum contaminant levels have been adopted under RSA 485:3, I(b), or established in law, ambient groundwater quality standards shall be equivalent to such standards[.] or where federal maximum contaminant level or health advisories have been promulgated under the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act or rules relevant to such act, the commissioner may adopt ambient groundwater quality standards [shall be no less stringent than] equivalent to such standards. The commissioner may also adopt standards that are more stringent than federal or state maximum contaminant levels or federal health advisories if, accounting for an adequate margin of safety to protect human health at all life stages, including but not limited to pre-natal development, the commissioner determines federal standards are insufficient for protection of human health. Where such standards are [established] adopted based upon health advisories promulgated under the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act that address cancer risks, the ambient groundwater quality standards shall be equivalent to that exposure which causes a lifetime exposure risk of one cancer in 1,000,000 exposed population. Where no federal or state maximum contaminant level or health advisory has been [issued] adopted, the commissioner may adopt ambient groundwater quality standards on a basis which provides for an adequate margin of safety to protect human health and safety.