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| Senate passes bill to protect public water supplies |
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April 4, 2006 - While much of the attention on Beacon Hill focused on health care reform today, the Senate passed important legislation that will further protect public water supplies in the Commonwealth. “In light of the recent activity at the Blackstone water supply tank, I am pleased the Senate acted quickly on this bill which will deter future acts of vandalism,” said Senator Richard T Moore (D-Uxbridge). “The inconvenience and the fear that vandals impose on the residents and businesses should not go unpunished.” Legislation sponsored by Sen. Stephen Brewer (D-Barre) seeks to toughen penalties for the act of trespassing with the intent to pollute on posted water supply lands and facilities. It also provides more severe penalties for repeat offenders and for tampering with water supplies and equipment. In addition, the bill authorizes the courts to order restitution to a water supplier or community to pay for water quality testing, investigation of trespassing and tampering incidents, and damage to equipment. “Improving the protection of our environment and precious water supplies in the Commonwealth is sometimes a forgotten initiative," said Senator Brewer. "It is unfortunate that the incident in Blackstone triggered my bill to the front lines legislatively, but I'm glad to see movement and I hope it is passed soon.” The bill has the support of the Massachusetts Water Works Association, an organization of private and public water supply officials headquartered in Westford, Massachusetts, who initially asked for the bill to be filed to address concerns about terrorism, however, other acts of vandalism would also be addressed. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. To learn more about Senator Moore’s legislation and his work in the Massachusetts Senate, log onto his web site at www.senatormoore.com. |
