To: Members & Affiliates From: National Office Date: October 16, 2000 Subject: PRESIDENT SIGNS COASTAL WATER QUALITY LEGISLATION INTO LAW Reference: LA 00-08 Yesterday, President Clinton signed into law H.R. 999, the Beaches Environmental Assessment & Coastal Health Act of 1999 (see attached bill). The President’s approval followed a September 27 unanimous vote in the House, and an earlier vote of unanimous consent in the Senate on September 21. The legislation amends the Clean Water Act to provide $30 million to help coastal states implement monitoring and notification programs for their recreational waters, and requires states to incorporate water quality criteria for pathogens and pathogen indicators into existing water quality standards. Supported by numerous environmental organizations and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the President’s approval had been anticipated. EPA Administrator Carol M. Browner applauded the passage of the bill, saying it "will greatly expand the public’s right-to-know about threats from pollution to our beaches and to our health."
Summary of Legislation
Under H.R. 999, EPA is directed to publish new or revised criteria for pathogens and pathogen indicators (including a revised list of testing methods) within five years. The criteria will be based on an Agency assessment of potential human health risks from exposure to pathogens in coastal waters, appropriate indicators for improving detection, and effective methods for detecting pathogens in a timely manner. EPA is also required to publish performance criteria for state and local monitoring programs as well as for prompt notification of the public. A grant program is also established to assist States and local governments in the development and implementation of monitoring and notification programs. The grants will be available to States and local governments that establish monitoring and notification programs which are consistent with the minimum conditions outlined in the bill. A more detailed, section-by-section summary of the major components of the new law is attached.AMSA will be monitoring the progress of this new program and participating in relevant activities with EPA. Please call Greg Schaner at 202/296-9836 if you have any questions about this new law.
Attachments:
- Beaches Environmental Assessment & Coastal Health Act of 1999 Section-by-Section Summary
- Beaches Environmental Assessment and Costal Health Act of 2000 (H.R. 999) (PDF Format ~127 KB)
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