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Requires the Secretary of the Army (acting through the Chief of Engineers) to test — or rely on existing tests — for cyanotoxins before any planned release of water from flood risk management structures. If cyanotoxin levels exceed 8 parts per billion (ppb), the Secretary must notify the public and affected governments about the finding, the planned release, and any possible human health effects prior to the release.
Before any planned release of water from a flood risk management structure, the Secretary must determine whether the water is contaminated with cyanotoxins, based on tests conducted by the Secretary, another Federal agency, or the State in which the flood risk management structure is located.
If the Secretary determines the water to be released contains cyanotoxins at levels greater than 8 parts-per-billion, the Secretary must notify the public and affected governments of the determination and the planned release, and inform them of any potential effects on human health, before releasing the water.
Defines “affected government” to mean a State, local, or Tribal government with jurisdiction over an area that will be affected by a release of water from a flood risk management structure.
Defines “Secretary” to mean the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers.
Primary affected parties are the Army Corps of Engineers (Secretary of the Army/Chief of Engineers), downstream communities, public water systems, and state and local governments identified as "affected governments." The Corps will need to ensure cyanotoxin testing capability or rely on third-party tests before planned releases, which could require new monitoring schedules, laboratory access, and notification systems. Downstream residents, recreational users, and public water systems benefit from earlier warnings about health risks, enabling local authorities and utilities to take protective measures. Because the text mandates notification but does not provide funding or require response actions, state and local agencies may need to absorb any follow-up costs for testing verification, public messaging, or health advisories. In some operational scenarios, the testing and notification requirement could delay planned releases or force changes in release timing or procedures, creating trade-offs between flood-risk management and public-health communications. Overall, the measure increases transparency and public health protection at the point of release but adds procedural and logistical duties for the Corps and coordination needs for affected governments and water managers.
Last progress June 6, 2025 (8 months ago)
Introduced on June 6, 2025 by Brian Jeffrey Mast
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.