CHAPTER 8. WATER AND GEOLOGICAL RESOURCES RESEARCH

IC 14-25-8
    Chapter 8. Water and Geological Resources Research

IC 14-25-8-1
Legislative findings; research powers
    Sec. 1. (a) The continuing growth of the population and economyimpose ever increasing demands upon the essentially fixed waterresources of Indiana. It is necessary that the development, use, andmanagement of these resources be based upon a sound and thoroughknowledge and understanding of the location, extent, capabilities,limitations, and characteristics of the basic water resources ofIndiana. The need for additional knowledge is urgent in areas suchas the following:
        (1) Mapping of the location and availability of ground water.
        (2) The time of travel of water from point to point on the majorstreams.
        (3) The Indiana climatic factors affecting evaporation lossesfrom impoundments.
        (4) The meandering characteristics of alluvial streams.
        (5) The drainage areas of streams at selected points.
    (b) To accomplish the objectives described in subsection (a), thedepartment of environmental management and the department mayconduct applied research in their respective areas of jurisdiction forthe purpose of securing the scientific and technical data andinformation necessary for the solution of problems involving thewise beneficial development, use, and management of the waterresources of Indiana. The research shall be accomplished through theuse of the money that is made available for these purposes.
    (c) The department of environmental management and thedepartment may conduct research under this section:
        (1) independently; or
        (2) in cooperation with agencies of the state or of the UnitedStates.
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.18.

IC 14-25-8-2
Duties of department
    Sec. 2. (a) The department shall do the following:
        (1) Continue the geological, scientific, and topographical surveyof Indiana and the work of discovering, developing, andpreserving Indiana's natural resources.
        (2) Collect and disseminate information concerning theagricultural, mining, and manufacturing advantages of Indianaand give special attention to the following:
            (A) The discovery of minerals, stone, clay, or other naturalsubstances useful in agriculture, road making, manufacture,or the mechanical arts.
            (B) The prevention of waste of minerals and mineralproducts and coal.
    (b) The commission:        (1) has charge of; and
        (2) shall, as practicable, periodically add specimens to;
the state geological cabinet, museums, apparatus, and library.
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.18.

IC 14-25-8-3
Topographical survey map
    Sec. 3. (a) The department may contract and cooperate with theUnited States Geological Survey or any other appropriate federalagency in the preparation and completion of a topographical surveymap of Indiana. For the purpose of making the survey provided inthis section:
        (1) the department may use any means available to complete thework, including base control and aerial photography; and
        (2) the persons employed in making the survey may enter uponany property within Indiana if the entry does not unreasonablyinterfere with private rights.
    (b) There is appropriated out of any money in the state generalfund not otherwise appropriated fifty thousand dollars ($50,000)annually to be expended in carrying on the work provided for in thissection. However, the department may not expend more annually forthe work than the United States government expends in carrying onthe cooperative project with regard to Indiana. The moneyappropriated is available to reimburse the United States GeologicalSurvey for Indiana's share of the costs of the topographic mapping,upon the presentation of certified bills for the expenses that areinitially incurred by the United States Geological Survey or othercooperative agency.
    (c) Money accruing to the use of the department under this sectionconstitutes a revolving fund for the sole use of topographic mappingof Indiana. Money in the fund does not revert to the state generalfund at the close of a state fiscal year until:
        (1) the topographic mapping of Indiana has been completed;and
        (2) obsolete or inadequate maps have been revised or remapped.
At the conclusion of the work the unexpended money in the fundreverts to the state general fund.
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.18.