Ways To Resolve Critical Water Resources Issues Facing the Nation
CED-79-87: Published: Apr 27, 1979. Publicly Released: May 8, 1979.
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Unresolved issues in the control of water resources are discussed, and some alternative solutions are suggested. The Corps of Engineers takes about 26 years from initial authorization to the start of construction for flood control projects. To improve this situation, GAO identified alternatives that would hasten construction but would lessen congressional controls, thereby giving more authority and responsibility to the Corps. The procedures for calculating benefit/cost ratios used in evaluating water resources projects are not sufficiently objective and impartial. To make the benefit/cost analysis more reliable, the following alternatives are suggested: (1) establishing an independent review function in either the Water Resources Council or the Office of Management and Budget; (2) establishing a new independent review board in either the executive or legislative branches; or (3) creating a new independent agency for benefit/cost analysis. Problems occur in many areas because ground water is used from an aquifer faster than the water in the aquifer is being replenished. Many dam owners lack the money, willingness, or understanding to take remedial action recommended by the Corps. Reclamation law objectives of breaking up large private landholdings, spreading the benefits of the subsidized irrigation program to the maximum number of people, and promoting the family-size farm are not being achieved. Questions exist concerning the practicality of limiting the use of water from Bureau projects to a landowner's 160 acres of irrigable land. It has been suggested that State and local control over water resources projects should be increased after national water policy and priorities are established.
Mar 1, 2021
Man-Made Chemicals and Potential Health Risks:
EPA Has Completed Some Regulatory-Related Actions for PFASGAO-21-37: Published: Jan 27, 2021. Publicly Released: Mar 1, 2021.
Jan 22, 2021
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U.S. Army Corps of Engineers:
Information on the Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability ProgramGAO-21-240R: Published: Jan 22, 2021. Publicly Released: Jan 22, 2021.
Jan 19, 2021
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Chemical Assessments:
Annual EPA Survey Inconsistent with Leading Practices in Program ManagementGAO-21-156: Published: Dec 18, 2020. Publicly Released: Jan 19, 2021.
Jan 15, 2021
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Environmental Liabilities:
NASA's Reported Financial Liabilities Have Grown, and Several Factors Contribute to Future UncertaintiesGAO-21-205: Published: Jan 15, 2021. Publicly Released: Jan 15, 2021.
Jan 13, 2021
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Nuclear Waste:
Congressional Action Needed to Clarify a Disposal Option at West Valley Site in New YorkGAO-21-115: Published: Jan 13, 2021. Publicly Released: Jan 13, 2021.
Jan 7, 2021
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Hanford Cleanup:
DOE's Efforts to Close Tank Farms Would Benefit from Clearer Legal Authorities and CommunicationGAO-21-73: Published: Jan 7, 2021. Publicly Released: Jan 7, 2021.
Dec 18, 2020
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Drinking Water:
EPA Could Use Available Data to Better Identify Neighborhoods at Risk of Lead ExposureGAO-21-78: Published: Dec 18, 2020. Publicly Released: Dec 18, 2020. -
Recycling:
Building on Existing Federal Efforts Could Help Address Cross-Cutting ChallengesGAO-21-87: Published: Dec 18, 2020. Publicly Released: Dec 18, 2020.
Dec 9, 2020
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Environmental Protection:
Action Needed to Ensure EPA's Enforcement and Compliance Activities Support Its Strategic GoalsGAO-21-82: Published: Dec 9, 2020. Publicly Released: Dec 9, 2020. -
Oil and Gas:
Onshore Competitive and Noncompetitive Lease RevenuesGAO-21-138: Published: Nov 19, 2020. Publicly Released: Dec 9, 2020.
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