Section 15-3103. Legislative findings and intent

The legislature hereby finds and declares that:
    1.  The  waters  of  the  state  are one of its most essential natural
  resources.
    2. Adequate supplies of good quality groundwater are critical  to  the
  health  and  welfare of the residents of the state and to their economic
  well-being. Groundwater contamination  exists  at  levels  which  exceed
  applicable  standards, criteria and guidance values at many sites around
  the state, including inactive hazardous waste disposal sites, brownfield
  sites, and sites contaminated by the discharge of petroleum. The  levels
  and  types of contaminants, the extent of contamination, and the present
  and potential impacts on public health and the environment  vary  widely
  from  site to site, but cumulatively could endanger the integrity of the
  water resources of New York state.
    3. Due to the complexity of groundwater  contamination  problems,  the
  restoration  of  groundwater  to its classified use may not currently be
  feasible at some sites.
    4. It is the intent of the legislature that groundwater  be  protected
  for its classified use, the highest of which is drinking water.