H_AGR_2017A 03/15/2017 Committee Summary

09:51 AM -- HB 17-1008



Representative Arndt, sponsor, presented House Bill 17-1008, concerning an exemption from the Water Quality Control Commission's graywater control regulations for graywater used for the purpose of scientific research involving human subjects. Representative Arndt distributed Amendment L.001 (Attachment A) and an unofficial preamended version of the bill (Attachment B). The bill, recommended by the Water Resources Review Committee, authorizes the use of graywater for scientific research involving human subjects and sets minimum requirements for conducting such research. The research must be conducted on behalf of an educational institution and does not need to comply with existing Water Quality Control Commission regulations.



170315 AttachA.pdf 170315 AttachB.pdf



09:57 AM -- Greg Fisher, Denver Water, spoke in support of the bill. Mr. Fisher discussed Amendment L.001, which expands the types of institutions who can conduct the research to a water utility or a public or private entity that a water utility or institution of higher education contracts with to conduct graywater research on the utility's or institution's behalf. The amendment also clarifies that an entity conducting the research may treat graywater while conducting the research and makes changes to the title, specifying that the research applies to human exposure. Mr. Fisher responded to questions from the committee.













10:11 AM -- Michael Nicoletti, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), stated that CDPHE is neutral on the bill and that he and Nicole Rowan are available for questions.



10:12 AM -- Nicole Rowan, Clean Water Program CDPHE, responded to questions from the committee regarding Water Quality Control Commission rules regarding graywater research and how other states are researching the use of graywater.



10:19 AM



Mr. Nicoletti and Ms. Rowan continued to respond to questions from the committee about current graywater regulations and the Water Quality Control Commission regulations and CDPHE's role in graywater research. Committee discussion ensued.



10:26 AM



Jennifer Berman, Office of Legislative Legal Services, responded to questions from the committee regarding current state statutes concerning graywater regulation.



10:30 AM -- Rhiannon Gallagher, representing herself, spoke in support of the bill.



10:35 AM -- Theresa Connely, Conservation Colorado, spoke in support of the bill.



10:36 AM -- Emily Brummit, Colorado Water Congress, spoke in support of the bill.



10:38 AM

10:41 AM



The committee adjourned.