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WV Panel Releases Suggestions On Chemical Spill Law


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A West Virginia panel is suggesting a new tax credit, $12.2 million in extra funding and other tweaks to a law that responded to a January chemical spill.

The Public Water Supply System Study Commission suggested changes in a 47-page report submitted Monday.

The $12.2 million in recommended funding over three years would help utilities complete more intensive source water protection plans.

The proposed state income tax credit would reward landowners who use land for water protection.

In March, lawmakers cleared reforms responding to the January spill that tainted 300,000 people's water for days. A tank leaked chemicals into the Elk River, which West Virginia American Water uses for the region's water supply.

The group has to produce reports on the law's effectiveness by Dec. 15 annually.