N.Y. Environmental Conservation Law § 15-3103: Legislative findings and intent

§ 15-3103. Legislative findings and intent.

The legislature hereby finds and declares that:

1. The waters of the state are one of its most essential natural

resources.

2. Adequate supplies of good quality groundwater are critical to the

health and welfare of the residents of the state and to their economic

well-being. Groundwater contamination exists at levels which exceed

applicable standards, criteria and guidance values at many sites around

the state, including inactive hazardous waste disposal sites, brownfield

sites, and sites contaminated by the discharge of petroleum. The levels

and types of contaminants, the extent of contamination, and the present

and potential impacts on public health and the environment vary widely

from site to site, but cumulatively could endanger the integrity of the

water resources of New York state.

3. Due to the complexity of groundwater contamination problems, the

restoration of groundwater to its classified use may not currently be

feasible at some sites.

4. It is the intent of the legislature that groundwater be protected

for its classified use, the highest of which is drinking water.