Groundwater Quality and Policy Options in Nebraska

Potential contaminants and the occurrence of groundwater contamination in Nebraska are discussed. An overview of Nebraska\u27s policy response to groundwater quality reveals that the policy has been fragmentary and generally reactive. Although a comprehensive groundwater quality protection strategy is needed if the groundwater is to be protected from potential point and nonpoint sources of contamination, it must recognize the site-specific nature of most groundwater contamination. The Nebraska Chemigation Act and the Petroleum Products and Hazardous Substances Storage and Handling Act passed in 1986 were the first comprehensive legislation addressing prevention of point source contamination. Proactive policies for the prevention of nonpoint groundwater contamination are an economic necessity in today\u27s political climate