House passes contentious water bill

June 2, 2009 The Tennessean TENNESSEE The state legislature has passed a water bill that had been opposed by environmentalists. The House voted 72-22 to approve a measure, SB 632, that would allow landowners who hire scientific consultants to determine what qualifies as streams on their property and rely on that determination for purposes of developing their land unless challenged by the state within 30 days. Under current law, landowners might face fines or have to undo work if the state discovers what they have done violates water laws. The Senate has already approved the measure, which now goes before Gov. Phil Bredesen for approval or veto.