View all text of Subchapter III [§ 6541 - § 6543]
§ 6542. Water Source Protection Program
(a) Definitions
In this section:
(1) End water user
The term “end water user” means a non-Federal entity, including—
(A) a State;
(B) a political subdivision of a State;
(C) an Indian tribe;
(D) a utility;
(E) a municipal water system;
(F) an irrigation district;
(G) a nonprofit organization; and
(H) a corporation.
(2) Forest management activity
(3) Forest plan
(4) Non-Federal partner
(5) Program
(6) Secretary
(7) Water source management plan
(b) Establishment
(c) Water source investment partnerships
(1) In general
(2) Form
A partnership agreement described in paragraph (1) may take the form of—
(A) a memorandum of understanding;
(B) a cost-share or collection agreement;
(C) a long-term funding matching commitment; or
(D) another appropriate instrument, as determined by the Secretary.
(d) Water source management plan
(1) In general
(2) Requirement
(3) Environmental analysis
The Secretary may conduct a single environmental impact statement or similar analysis required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.)—
(A) for each watershed protection and restoration project included in the water source management plan; or
(B) as part of the development of, or after the finalization of, the water source management plan.
(e) Forest management activities
(1) In general
To the extent that forest management activities are necessary to protect, maintain, or enhance water quality, and in accordance with paragraph (2), the Secretary shall carry out forest management activities as part of watershed protection and restoration projects carried out on National Forest System land, with the primary purpose of—
(A) protecting a municipal water supply system;
(B) restoring forest health from insect infestations and disease; or
(C) any combination of the purposes described in subparagraphs (A) and (B).
(2) Compliance
The Secretary shall carry out forest management activities under paragraph (1) in accordance with—
(A) this chapter;
(B) the applicable water source management plan;
(C) the applicable forest plan; and
(D) other applicable laws.
(f) Endangered Species Act of 1973
(g) Funds and services
(1) In general
(2) Matching funds required
(3) Manner of use
(4) Water source protection fund
(A) In general
(B) Use of appropriated funds
(C) Partnership agreements
(Pub. L. 108–148, title III, § 303, as added Pub. L. 115–334, title VIII, § 8404(a), Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4841.)