| For Immediate Release | For more information contact: |
| February 9, 2000 | Renae Reedy (651-296-9895) |
There's a debate brewing in our own backyard right now over a very important state-wide
issue groundwater. As many of you know, limestone quarries have been proposed in Waterford and Douglas Townships. Each quarry is projected to drain 10 million gallons of groundwater each day. The question to me as a Legislator is not whether this type of operation is appropriate in our neighborhood, it is about whether it is appropriate in Minnesota at all.
It is questions like this that have lead me to take action and investigate. As chair of the Minnesota House of Representatives Environment Policy Committee, I formed a subcommittee to look into groundwater issues. This group is charged with gathering information and exploring the fairness of policies which have an impact on our underground water supply.
For instance, under our current provisions, if a company were planning to bottle large quantities of water they removed from our aquifers each day, and send it out of state, the Legislature would generally have to approve their plan. However, if a company was removing the same amount from our water supply, and just getting rid of it to make way for a mining operation or construction project, they would most likely be exempt from such rules.
These are inconsistencies I believe need further consideration and investigation, which is what the Groundwater Issues Subcommittee has been asked to do. In addition, the group will look at the quantity and quality of our existing water supply to see if any action needs to be taken before a crisis arises. There are many things we can live without on this earth, but clean water is not one of them.
As a Legislator and the chairman of the Environment Committee, I know the public expects and needs us to be informed and proactive on these important issues. As I work to carry out that expectation, I hope you will continually keep me up to date on any issues and concerns that you may have. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-4306, or by e-mail at rep.dennis.ozment@house.leg.state.mn.us.
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