Toxic Health Threat Warning Act of 2023

Bill: 118-hr-2505
Sponsor: full_name: Rep. Mast, Brian J. [R-FL-21]
Introduced: 2023-04-06
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: 2023-04-07
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.

Summaries:
action_date: 2023-04-06
action_desc: Introduced in House
text: <p><b>Toxic Health Threat Warning Act of </b><strong>2023</strong></p> <p>This bill requires the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), before releasing water from a flood risk management structure, to determine whether the water is contaminated with cyanotoxins (toxins released by certain algae) based on tests conducted by the USACE, another federal agency, or the state in which the structure is located. If the USACE determines the water contains cyanotoxins at levels greater than 8 parts-per-billion, then USACE must notify the public and affected governments of the determination, the planned release, and the potential effects on human health before releasing the water.</p>

tv_txt: I 118th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 2505 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES April 6, 2023 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 cyanotoxins from flood risk management structures, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Toxic Health Threat Warning Act of 2023 . 2. Releases of water contaminated with cyanotoxins (a) Determination Before any planned release of water from a flood risk management structure, the Secretary shall determine whether the water is contaminated with cyanotoxins, based on tests conducted by the Secretary, another Federal agency, or the State in which the flood risk management structure is located. (b) Notification If the Secretary determines under subsection (a) that water to be released from a flood risk management structure contains cyanotoxins at levels greater than 8 parts-per-billion, the Secretary shall notify the public and affected governments of the determination 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 structure. (2) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers.