Georgia Bill Would Set Response Protocol For Hazardous Spills Into Water Supply

The Georgia House unanimously passed a bill Feb. 26 to establish emergency response procedures in the event of a chemical spill into state rivers, streams or lakes.

House Bill 549 specifies that the person in charge of a potentially hazardous substance that has spilled is required to immediately notify the state’s Environmental Protection Division and to “take all reasonable steps to prevent injury to the health or property” of downstream water users.

Under the proposal, the EPD would be instructed to coordinate within no more than 24 hours with the Georgia Emergency Management Agency and local health departments and emergency ...