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Contaminated Wells Relocation Act

1/14/2025, 6:51 PM

Summary of Bill S 5300

Bill 118 s 5300, also known as the "Chincoteague Drinking Water Wells Reimbursement Act," is a piece of legislation that authorizes the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to reimburse the Town of Chincoteague, Virginia for costs directly related to the removal and replacement of certain drinking water wells.

The bill specifically addresses the need for reimbursement of expenses incurred by the Town of Chincoteague in relation to the removal and replacement of drinking water wells that have been impacted by NASA activities. These activities may include contamination or other issues that have necessitated the removal and replacement of the wells in order to ensure the safety and quality of the town's drinking water supply.

By authorizing NASA to provide reimbursement for these costs, the bill aims to alleviate the financial burden on the Town of Chincoteague and ensure that residents have access to clean and safe drinking water. This legislation highlights the importance of environmental stewardship and the responsibility of government agencies to address and mitigate any negative impacts on local communities. Overall, Bill 118 s 5300 seeks to support the Town of Chincoteague in addressing the challenges related to the removal and replacement of drinking water wells, and underscores the importance of cooperation between federal agencies and local governments in safeguarding public health and environmental quality.

Congressional Summary of S 5300

Contaminated Wells Relocation Act

This bill permits the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to enter into an agreement to reimburse the town of Chincoteague, Virginia for costs directly associated with the removal and relocation of drinking water wells currently situated on NASA property.  

(Drinking water wells located at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility near Chincoteague have tested positive for perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS, resulting from the use of certain firefighting foams at the site beginning in the 1970s. NASA currently operates a water treatment system to remove PFAS from the affected water supply.) 

Any such agreement must include, to the extent practicable, (1) a provision for the removal and relocation of the wells remaining on NASA property, (2) a description of the location to which the wells are planned to be relocated, and (3) a current cost estimate of such relocation. Replacement wells must be established on property under the administrative control of the town of Chincoteague. 

Current Status of Bill S 5300

Bill S 5300 is currently in the status of Passed in Senate since December 16, 2024. Bill S 5300 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the Senate on November 12, 2024.  Bill S 5300's most recent activity was Held at the desk. as of December 17, 2024

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 5300

Total Number of Sponsors
11
Democrat Sponsors
11
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
1
Democrat Cosponsors
1
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 5300

Primary Policy Focus

Science, Technology, Communications

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 5300

A bill to authorize the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to reimburse the Town of Chincoteague, Virginia, for costs directly associated with the removal and replacement of certain drinking water wells.
A bill to authorize the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to reimburse the Town of Chincoteague, Virginia, for costs directly associated with the removal and replacement of certain drinking water wells.

Comments

Cal Lancaster profile image

Cal Lancaster

621

1 year ago

This bill is a waste of money and shouldn't be passed. It's unfair to taxpayers.