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Bill

HD 2279

An Act to protect the public health, safety and welfare including but not limited to the drinking water supply in Plymouth Carver Sole Source Aquifer, designated under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act by the United States Environmental Protection Agency in 1990

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by John Gaskey

Massachusetts bill strengthens protection of Plymouth-Carver sole source aquifer serving regional drinking water, imposing regulations to prevent groundwater contamination.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 2279

Legislative bill overview

HD 2279 establishes protective measures for the Plymouth-Carver Sole Source Aquifer in Massachusetts, which was federally designated as a critical drinking water source by the EPA in 1990. The bill aims to safeguard public health by implementing regulations and oversight mechanisms to prevent contamination of this groundwater system that supplies drinking water to the region.

Why is this important

Sole Source Aquifers are underground water systems that supply at least 50% of a jurisdiction's drinking water with no economically viable alternative sources. Contamination of the Plymouth-Carver aquifer could create a public health crisis affecting thousands of residents, making prevention measures more cost-effective than remediation. The bill addresses real risks from industrial activity, agricultural runoff, and development in the recharge area.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory burden on businesses - Restrictions on land use and industrial activities in the aquifer protection zone may face opposition from developers and agricultural interests concerned about compliance costs and property rights limitations
  • Vagueness on enforcement mechanisms - The bill's language references "public health, safety and welfare" broadly without detailing specific prohibited activities, creating uncertainty about how strictly regulations will be applied
  • Local vs. state control - Jurisdictional questions may arise regarding whether Plymouth and Carver municipalities or the state should have primary enforcement authority over aquifer protection measures

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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