B47190630D1BE9018725821900741700 Hearing Summary

Senator Donovan and Senator Coram, co-prime sponsors, discussed the provisions of Senate Bill 18-038 concerning reclaimed water used on industrial hemp.  They also distributed Amendment L.001 [Attachment D]  and Amendment L.003 [Attachment E].  This bill, recommended by the interim Water Resources Review Committee, codifies rules promulgated by the Water Quality Control Commission (WQCC) within the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) related to the allowable uses of reclaimed domestic wastewater, and expands allowable uses to include irrigation of industrial hemp.  In addition, the bill defines three categories of water quality standards.  The WQCC is required to promulgate new rules related to reclaimed wastewater no later than December 31, 2019.  The WQCC is also authorized to create new categories of water quality standards; recategorize any of the allowable uses to a less stringent category; and authorize additional uses.  Variances may be granted from the standards if the proposed usage will sufficiently protect public health and the environment.

John Gray, representing himself, spoke in opposition to the bill.

Joan Green Turner, Water Rights Association, spoke in support of Amendment L.001.

Tim Gordon, Colorado Hemp Industry Association, spoke in support of the bill and Amendment L.003.