Bill Tracker

This is a clean up bill for HB 19-1279 that establishes August 2, 2020 as the effective date the required notice by manufacturers of Class B firefighting foam containing polyfluoroalkyl substances to notify sellers of their products about the state’s new regulations of these products.

Since PFAs are a major potential hazard to water ways and other environmental areas, it is only prudent to incorporate this law.

This bill was has passed by the House on Feb. 3 and introduced in the Senate on Feb. 6.

From the interim Water Resources Review Committee. Requires the state engineer to employ a minimum of 4 well inspectors addressing water well construction and pump installation. They are also to promulgate rules for identifying high-risk wells that should be prioritized for inspection. The bill specifies that at least one inspector shall be concerned with Water Division 1(Greeley) and one for Water Division 2 (Pueblo).

With the continued growth in Colorado, it is imperative that adequate inspectors are available for new wells being permitted.

This bill was heard in House Rural Affairs & Agriculture Committee on Feb. 3  and passed on a vote of  9-2.  All agreed that there is a need for more inspectors, and all wells are considered high risk.  Concern was raised about putting fee amounts into statute, which would necessitate another bill in the future.  The bill was then heard by the House Finance Committee on Feb. 13 where it was referred to House Appropriations on a vote of 11-0.  

This bill will allow the state to regulate perfluoroalkyl and polyfluroalkyl substances (PFAs). These chemicals are used predominantly for firefighting and can seep into groundwater systems and wells, causing permanent pollution. PFAs have been found in several water systems in Colorado, forcing them to become unusable.

The bill addresses when PFAs may be used for firefighting foam, particularly in certain aircraft hangars; grants CDPHE power to adopt and enforce standards and regulations that require public drinking water systems to sample drinking water supply sources and finished drinking water for PFSa; clarifies that the Water Quality Control Commission (WQCC) may set standards related to PFAs in surface water and groundwater; and requires the solid and hazardous waste commission to promulgate rules for a certificate of registration for any facility or fire department possessing PFAs.

There is a need for better tracking and regulation to protect state water.