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and streams so the limited rainfall that we do get collects in playa lakes. Since these playa 

 lakes are a source for recharging our aquifer we want the water that collects in them to be 

 clean. 



I am encouraged by recent studies conducted by researchers from Texas Tech, Texas 

 A&M, and the High Plains Underground Water Conservation District. In one study samples 

 were taken of ground water from wells located close to playa lakes which are used for 

 collection of runoff from cattle feedlots of approximately 40,000 head which had been in 

 existence for over 20 years. The water in these wells was found to be suitable for irrigation, 

 livestock watering, and human consumption. Another study conducted in several counties 

 on the High Plains located in the Brazos River Basin watershed sampled runoff water in 

 playas after a heavy rainfall period to determine what traces of agricultural pesticides 

 existed. This study concluded that the very minute traces of chemicals detected pose no 

 significant risk to humans, livestock, or the environment. Despite this legitimate reseach, we 

 have proposals before Congress known as the polluter pays concept which would assess a 

 fee on pesticide and fertilizer production to help encourage reduction in what they call the 

 growing problem of poisoned agricultural runoff. 



I believe many in the Congress understand the need for flexibility, more research and 

 extended implementation time periods; this Subcommittee has attempted to deal with some 

 of these issues in H.R. 1440. Unfunded mandates, citizen suits, volunteer monitoring, 

 regulation of inputs, lender liabUity are all reasons for concern. And, there are many more. 



