The bill amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act by updating sections related to wetland permits and mitigation requirements. It establishes that permits are valid for a maximum of five years and allows the Department to set reasonable completion timelines for permitted activities. The bill introduces new conditions for permits aimed at mitigating wetland impacts, which must comply with a newly added section (30311e). This section outlines that mitigation activities should generally occur concurrently with permitted activities, although alternative schedules can be agreed upon. It also specifies when financial assurance is required for mitigation activities, particularly for high-risk or delayed activities.

Additionally, the bill outlines various methods for compensatory wetland mitigation, including the acquisition of credits from wetland mitigation banks, restoration of existing wetlands, creation of new wetlands, and preservation of exceptional wetlands. It emphasizes the importance of considering the ecological benefits of mitigation efforts and allows for flexibility in mitigation ratios. The Department is tasked with establishing a stewardship fund to support wetland mitigation efforts and is required to develop rules that encourage the use of mitigation banks and other innovative approaches to wetland preservation and restoration.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 324.30311