HB 2296
An Act amending the act of November 26, 1978 (P.L.1375, No.325), known as the Dam Safety and Encroachments Act, further providing for definitions; and providing for siting of wetland replacement.
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill amends Pennsylvania’s Dam Safety and Encroachments Act to clarify the definition of ‘wetland’ and establish specific siting requirements for wetland replacement projects. It mandates that wetland replacements occur as close as possible to the original impacted wetland, then along or adjacent to a watercourse, and finally within the watershed. The Department of Environmental Protection will reject proposals outside the original watershed unless all suitable locations within it have been exhausted. This aims to ensure wetland replacement efforts are strategically located to effectively mitigate the impacts of dam and encroachment activities.
Key provisions
- Defines ‘wetland’ for use in the Dam Safety and Encroachments Act.
- Requires wetland replacement sites to be located adjacent to the impacted wetland whenever feasible.
- Prioritizes siting wetland replacements along or adjacent to watercourses.
- Establishes a watershed-based siting requirement if adjacent locations are unsuitable.
- Allows wetland replacement within coastal zone management areas.
- Requires documentation if wetland replacement is not located adjacent to the impacted wetland.
- Prohibits wetland replacement outside the watershed unless all suitable locations within it have been exhausted.
Who is affected
- Department of Environmental Protection
- Permitting agencies
- Developers undertaking projects that may impact wetlands
- Landowners near dams and reservoirs
- Environmental organizations
Notable changes
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