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Show KANSAS 321 With certain statutory exceptions, the board may adopt rules and regulations to protect both surface and subsurface waters of the State from pollution by oil, gas, salt water injection wells, and the discharge of sewage. Further, the board may establish water quality standards to protect the beneficial use of water.44 The board is empowered to establish minimum standards for the design, construction, and maintenance of sanitary water and sewage systems.45 A recent amendment specifically prohibits the discharge of mercury into the waters of the State in any quantity which would be detrimental to the public health, safety, and welfare or beneficial uses of water.48 B. WATER RESOURCES BOARD The water resources board consists of seven members appointed by the Governor,47 with an executive director appointed by the board.48 It is the duty of the board to: (1) Collect and compile information pertaining to climate, water, and soil; (2) prepare a plan for the water resource development of each watershed in the State; (3) review plans for water resource development, manage- ment, and use by any State or local agency; (4) study water resource laws for the purpose of determining the need for amendatory legis- lation; and (5) make recommendations to other State agencies and political subdivisions for the coordination of water management and conservation practices and studies.49 The board may appoint a citi- zen's advisory committee to assist in carrying out its duties and responsibilities.60 In 1963, Kansas enacted legislation for the preparation of a com- prehensive State water plan to assist in proper development, utiliza- tion, and control of the water resources of the State.51 This plan is to establish long-range goals and objectives for flood control and conservation, development, utilization, and disposal of water.52 Statu- tory criteria are set forth in the act outlining a wide range of both economic and environmental considerations that are to be taken into consideration in formulating the State water plan.53 After the plan is prepared, it is the subject of public hearings and is submitted to the legislature for consideration.54 Once the plan is enacted by the legislature, any person proposing any activity which may be in conflict with the plan must notify the board and obtain its approval for the proposed project.55 The board may recommend to the legislature the inclusion of additional water conservation and supply storage features to be constructed by either the Federal Gov- ernment or the State.56 The board is authorized to contract with both individuals and public corporations for the sale of water from State storage projects.57 The board may cooperate and contract with **> Sec. 65-171d. 45 Sees. 65-171g and 65-171h. « Sec. 65-171J. « Sec. 74-2605. « Sec. 74-2607. « Sec. 74-2608. 60 Sec. 74-2609. 61 Sees. 82a-901 and 82a-903. 62 Sec. 82a-904. ™ Sec. 82a-907. M Sees. 82a-905 and 82a-906. 65 Sec. 82a-908. 68 Sees. 82a-910 and 82a-911. 67 Sees. 82a-914, 82a-915, 82a-916, and 82a-917. |