Toxic Health Threat Warning Act of 2021

Bill: 117-hr-2155
Sponsor: full_name: Rep. Mast, Brian J. [R-FL-18]
Introduced: 2021-03-23
Policy area: Water Resources Development
Subjects: Environmental health

Environmental regulatory procedures

Floods and storm protection

Government studies and investigations

Hazardous wastes and toxic substances

Water quality
Latest action: action_date: 2021-03-24
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.

Summaries:
action_date: 2021-03-23
action_desc: Introduced in House
text: <p><b>Toxic Health Threat Warning Act of </b><strong>2021</strong></p> <p>This bill requires the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), before releasing water from a flood risk management project, to determine whether the water is contaminated with cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) based on tests conducted by the USACE, another federal agency, or the state in which the project is located. If the water is contaminated, the USACE must notify the public and affected governments of the contamination, its planned release, and the potential effects on human health.</p>

tv_txt: I 117th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 2155 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES March 23, 2021 Mr. Mast introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure A BILL To require the Corps of Engineers to notify affected communities before releasing water contaminated with cyanobacteria from flood risk management projects, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Toxic Health Threat Warning Act of 2021 . 2. Releases of water contaminated with cyanobacteria (a) Determination Before releasing water from a flood risk management project, the Secretary shall determine whether the water is contaminated with cyanobacteria, based on tests conducted by the Secretary, another Federal agency, or the State in which the flood risk management project is located. (b) Notification If the Secretary determines under subsection (a) that water to be released from a flood risk management project is contaminated with cyanobacteria, the Secretary shall notify the public and affected governments of the contamination and planned release, and any potential effects on human health, before releasing the water. (c) Definitions In this section: (1) Affected government The term affected government means a State, local, or Tribal government with jurisdiction over an area that will be affected by a release of water from a flood risk management project. (2) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers.