S GOV SCR ORG2 3-9

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 66

(By Senator Snyder)

[Originating in the Committee on Government Organization]

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the implementation of comprehensive, standardized procedures by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection for environmental sampling and the educating, training, assessment and certification of those collecting the environmental samples.

    Whereas, The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection issues and monitors thousands of permits and orders and takes other actions related to the protection of West Virginia’s natural environment; and

    Whereas, Tens of thousands of environmental samples are collected and analyzed and the data submitted to the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection for use by the Department in fulfilling its duties; and

    Whereas, Many different entities, both public and private, perform environmental sampling and submit their data to the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection; and

    Whereas, Those entities perform environmental sampling through various methods and instruments and in differing quantities and qualities; and

    Whereas, Those entities employ and utilize environmental sample collectors that have received varying levels of education and training; and

    Whereas, There are limited standard procedures for: the collecting, measuring and analyzing of field samples; the submission of data; the use of field measurement instruments used in environmental sampling; and the educating, training, assessment and certification of environmental sample collectors; and

    Whereas, The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, and the entities it regulates, would benefit from comprehensive, standardized procedures for environmental sampling to ensure that the highest quality and accurate environmental samples and data are collected and used; and

    Whereas, The protection of West Virginia’s natural environment is of major concern to all our citizens, it is in the best interest of the State of West Virginia to implement comprehensive, standardized procedures for environmental sampling and the educating, training, assessment and certification of those collecting samples; therefore, be it

    Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

    That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the implementation of comprehensive, standardized procedures by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection for environmental sampling and the educating, training, assessment and certification of those collecting the environmental samples; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2012, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.