- Committee Structure
A second subgroup, chaired by Wilson Scaling of SCS, recommended the formation of three separate committees:
- Education and Technical Assistance Committee, co-chaired by ES and SCS;
- Research Committee, co-chaired by ARS and CSRS;
- Data Base and Evaluation Committee, co-chaired by ERS and NASS.
An executive committee will advise the group on policy, program direction, and legislative strategies. An interagency committee will coordinate the group’s activities with other federal, state, and local agencies, interest groups, and the public. A public affairs issue management team will develop and carry out a strategy for a water quality public information effort under the guidance of the working group.
- Reciprocal Meetings With USGS
On December 19, policy officials from the U.S. Geological Survey came to the South Building to brief the working group on USGS programs. On January 25, Dr. Mussman and others from the working group briefed USGS on their turf. What became clear from these meetings is that in demonstration projects and at hydrologic sites, there are many opportunities for joint projects in collaboration with USGS.
- H.R. 3574
Rep. Fred Grandy of Iowa has introduced H.R. 3574, a groundwater infrastructure bill that would establish an independent director of groundwater policy and coordination within USDA. The bill’s intent is to institutionalize and coordinate USDA’s groundwater activities and to make USDA more aggressive in dealing with groundwater concerns and problems.
Staffers from Rep. Grandy’s office attended a recent meeting of the working group to explain the intent and provisions of the bill. The Department will continue working with Rep. Grandy and his staff to further improve on water quality alternatives within the Department.
- EPA Well Water Survey
EPA has recently completed fieldwork for a nationwide survey of pesticide and nitrate contamination of rural wells and is currently analyzing data from the survey. This survey could be a good starting point in zeroing in on specific problem areas for well water contamination.
Harry C. Mussman
Chairman, USDA Working Group
on Water Quality
If you have questions or comments, please contact Jim Benson, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville, MD; telephone 344-4504. This update may be photocopied.
