Contaminated Wells Relocation Act
The Contaminated Wells Relocation Act would authorize the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to reimburse the Town of Chincoteague, Virginia, for costs directly tied to removing and replacing certain drinking water wells that are on NASA property. The arrangement could last up to five years and would cover activities such as developing a plan to remove the wells and establishing replacement wells on land controlled by the town (through lease, ownership, or easement). The bill would require an agreement to include details on relocating the remaining wells, the relocation site, and a current cost estimate (including land/engineering/permitting/construction). NASA would submit any such agreement to Congress within 18 months of enactment. The goal is to ensure safe drinking water for Chincoteague residents by relocating wells off NASA property.
Key Points
- 1NASA may enter into an agreement with the Town of Chincoteague for up to five years to reimburse costs directly related to removing and replacing drinking water wells on NASA land and establishing replacement wells on town-controlled land.
- 2The agreement should cover (as practicable) the removal and relocation of the three remaining wells, the relocation site, and current cost estimates (including land, engineering, permitting, and construction).
- 3An agreement under this act would include the location of the relocation site and the estimated cost of relocation, including related activities such as land acquisition or leasing and design work.
- 4Not later than 18 months after enactment, NASA must submit the agreement (in coordination with relevant entities) to the appropriate Congressional committees.
- 5The term “appropriate committees of Congress” refers to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.