Sec. A-3. 38 MRSA §484, sub-§3, ¶F is enacted to read:

F.__In making a determination under this subsection regarding a structure to facilitate withdrawal of groundwater, the department shall consider the effects of the proposed withdrawal on waters of the State, as defined by section 361-A, subsection 7; water-related natural resources; and existing uses, including, but not limited to, public or private wells, within the anticipated zone of contribution to the withdrawal.__In making findings under this paragraph, the department shall consider both the direct effects of the proposed water withdrawal and its effects in combination with existing water withdrawals.

PART B

Sec. B-1. Development of consistent hydrogeological review procedures. By January 1, 2006, the Department of Environmental Protection, the Maine Land Use Regulation Commission and the Department of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources, the Maine Geological Survey and other public or private entities or persons that they consider appropriate, shall:

1. Review their existing administrative procedures and practices regarding review of development activities involving groundwater withdrawal;

2. Develop and implement any changes to such administrative procedures and practices that are appropriate and necessary to establish a consistent, efficient and effective approach under their existing legal authority to review pertinent hydrogeological and related natural resources issues; and

3. Submit a report to the Governor and Joint Standing Committee on Natural Resources summarizing actions taken pursuant to this section.