Substitute House Bill No. 5520 seeks to improve fish passage regulations for hydroelectric dams in Connecticut by allowing any individual to petition the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) for the establishment of safe and effective fish passages at dams not regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The commissioner is responsible for evaluating the adequacy of fish passage for migratory fish at all life stages, both upstream and downstream of the dam. If deemed inadequate, the commissioner will issue an order to the dam owner to implement necessary measures, which may include constructing fishways, removing obstructions, and ensuring minimum water flows. The bill also mandates that fish passages must meet or exceed the standards set by the Connecticut River Migratory Fish Restoration Cooperative.

Furthermore, the bill repeals the previous requirement for property owners above dams built before October 1, 1982, to petition for fishway assessments. It establishes a clear timeline for the commissioner to publish a tentative determination and conduct public hearings, promoting transparency and public engagement in the decision-making process. The bill defines terms such as "rebuild" and "substantially repair" to clarify actions that may affect fish passage. Overall, the bill does not anticipate any fiscal impact on the state or municipalities, as DEEP is equipped to implement these changes.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 26-136
ENV Joint Favorable Substitute: 26-136
File No. 434: 26-136