The bill amends the Dam Safety and Encroachments Act of November 26, 1978, by adding a new section that allows county conservation districts in Pennsylvania to obtain emergency permit authorizations for stream reconstruction. Under the new provisions, a county conservation district with an approved delegation agreement can propose methodologies for stream reconstruction activities in response to significant flood events. The Department of Environmental Resources will review these proposals to ensure they align with current scientific principles and practices, and upon approval, the district can issue emergency permits for necessary stream reconstruction activities.

Additionally, the bill outlines the process for amending the delegation agreement to include these emergency permits and establishes that the Department retains authority over other waterway obstruction and encroachment activities that may threaten public safety and the environment. It also provides a mechanism for individuals aggrieved by actions taken under the amended agreement to appeal to the department and subsequently to the Environmental Hearing Board. The department is required to notify each county conservation district about the availability of the new stream reconstruction program within 60 days of the bill's enactment.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 383 (Mar 17, 2025): P.L.1375, No.325
Printer's No. 0383: P.L.1375, No.325