Georgia Water/Laws/Comprehensive Statewide Water Management Planning Act

Comprehensive Statewide Water Management Planning Act, O.C.G.A. §§ 12-5-520 to 525

General Summary
This Act asks EPD to develop and propose a comprehensive statewide water management plan. This Act doesn’t change any water laws or policies; instead, it merely asks EPD to develop a state plan, which will then be considered by the legislature in 2008. Any proposed changes to water laws or policies will be considered in the planning process.

Policy
The policy behind the Act states, “Georgia manages water resources in a sustainable manner to support the state’s economy, to protect public health and natural systems, and to enhance the quality of life of all citizens.” The EPD plan should be consistent with this statement.

Specific provisions of the Act

 * The Water Council: The Water Council, created by this Act, consists of various legislative members and appointments and the heads of state departments with water related responsibilities. The Water Council is responsible for providing input in the planning process, coordinating input from various state departments, and ultimately approving the version of the plan that will be submitted to the legislature for final approval.  EPD must present a draft plan to the water council by July 1, 2007.


 * Public Participation: EPD must solicit input from stakeholders and the public in the development of the water plan. Relevant stakeholders include businesses, nonprofit organizations, local governments, and others.


 * Process for Plan Adoption and Approval: The water plan will be presented for approval by the General Assembly by the 2008 legislative session. There are four possible ways for the water plan to go into effect:
 * The General Assembly approves the proposed plan
 * If the General Assembly rejects the first proposed plan, the Water Council may submit alternative plans through the 20th day of the session
 * The General Assembly can enact its own version of a plan, or
 * If no plan is approved or enacted by the legislature, then the initial version of the first plan presented to the General Assembly will automatically take effect.