A bill strengthening chemical spill safeguards for storage
facilities and public water companies is headed to the House of Delegates
floor.
The amended proposal responding to the
Jan. 9 Freedom Industries spill passed the House Finance Committee on Monday.
Under the bill, most aboveground tanks
holding more than 1,320 gallons would face yearly inspections. About 150 public
water systems would have to spell out protection plans.
The committee also stripped a
requirement that West Virginia American Water implement an early warning
monitoring system. The company said it could have cost millions of dollars.
The bill also no longer requires a
long-term health monitoring program.
The proposal hits the House floor
Tuesday and likely will get a vote Wednesday. The Senate and House would need
to compromise on the final bill.
