The bill amends The Clean Streams Law, originally enacted on June 22, 1937, to modernize the general permit process for water-related projects in Pennsylvania. It mandates the establishment of a centralized online application system for general permits within one year of the bill's effective date. This system will facilitate electronic submissions of project descriptions, necessary clearances, geotagged photographs, and site-specific data. Additionally, the bill requires the retention of a paper-based application process and the development of standardized drawings and instructions for general permits, ensuring that applicants have clear guidelines for compliance.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the creation of an automated notification system to inform applicants and relevant agencies about the status of their permit applications, including the submission of complete applications and payment of fees. It also establishes uniform standards for enforcement and inspection of activities conducted under general permits, aiming for consistent procedures across regional offices. The Department is required to report annually on the implementation of these requirements, usage statistics of the online system, and trends in compliance and enforcement, thereby promoting transparency and accountability in the permitting process.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 2345 (Sep 29, 2025): P.L.1987, No.394