This bill helps Chincoteague, Virginia, replace contaminated drinking water wells by allowing federal reimbursement for the costs involved. It ensures residents have access to safe drinking water.
Contaminated Wells Relocation Act This bill permits the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to enter into an agreement to reimburse the town of Chincoteague, Virginia for costs directly associated with the removal and relocation of drinking water wells currently situated on NASA property. (Drinking water wells located at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility near Chincoteague have tested positive for perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS, resulting from the use of certain firefighting foams at the site beginning in the 1970s. NASA currently operates a water treatment system to remove PFAS from the affected water supply.) Any such agreement must include, to the extent practicable, (1) a provision for the removal and relocation of the wells remaining on NASA property, (2) a description of the location to which the wells are planned to be relocated, and (3) a current cost estimate of such relocation. Replacement wells must be established on property under the administrative control of the town of Chincoteague.
1. This bill allows the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to reimburse Chincoteague for water well costs. 2. It covers the removal of contaminated drinking water wells in Chincoteague, Virginia. 3. The bill supports establishing new drinking water wells in safer locations. 4. An agreement for reimbursement can last up to five years. 5. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration must report the agreement to Congress within 18 months.