W. Va. Code R. § 61-22-13

Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 50, December 13, 2024

Section 61-22-13 - Public Awareness and Participation

13.1. A Pesticide and Fertilizer Water Quality Management Advisory Committee consisting of scientists with expertise in agriculture, pesticides and fertilizers, hydrogeology, well construction and maintenance and toxicology and growers will be appointed to provide input into development of Management Plans. Public comment will be sought on Management Plan components including voluntary and mandatory BMP's. There will be opportunity for public input through rulemaking processes should mandatory practices be required.

13.2. A public awareness program will publicize the State Management Plan and any adoption of chemical specific plans. This program will advise the agricultural community of opportunities to protect water resources and inform the public of water quality protection actions taken and will include but is not limited to: public hearings, newsletters, public notices, news releases, personal appearances, speaking engagements and select mailings.

13.3. Monitoring results following the confirmation of the presence of pesticides and fertilizers will be publicly disclosed along with their relationship to health-based standards. Public participation and cooperation in the monitoring program will be encouraged. All data (with the exception of the name of the owner and the exact location of the well to maintain confidentiality) will be made available to individuals or organizations conducting research on groundwater contamination and groundwater protection practices.

W. Va. Code R. § 61-22-13