Sec. 4. Report on reducing arsenic exposure and ensuring safe drinking water from private wells. The Department of Human Services, Bureau of Health shall submit a report no later than October 1, 2004 to the Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services after consultation with a diverse group of interested parties. The report must contain:

1. An assessment of options with recommendations for further actions to minimize human exposure to inorganic arsenic from drinking water, treated wood and other preventable sources; and

2. An assessment of the need for a comprehensive safe drinking water program for private wells to address arsenic and other contaminants of human health concern with recommendations to address identified needs.

SUMMARY

This bill requires disclosure of the presence of arsenic in the water supply and in outdoor structures made with arsenic- treated wood when residential real property is sold. The bill bans the sale or distribution of arsenic-treated wood except for salt water or fresh water uses. The bill restricts the disposal of arsenic-treated wood to a lined landfill, prohibiting its burning as a fuel or its chipping, mulching or composting. The Department of Human Service, Bureau of Health is required to report by October 1, 2004 on further actions to reduce human exposure to arsenic and on the need for a comprehensive safe drinking water program for private wells.