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PRIOR PRINTER'S NOS. 1010, 1258
PRINTER'S NO. 1451
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE BILL
No.
799
Session of
2017
INTRODUCED BY ALLOWAY, BARTOLOTTA, RESCHENTHALER, WHITE AND
STEFANO, JUNE 23, 2017
AS AMENDED ON THIRD CONSIDERATION, JANUARY 30, 2018
AN ACT
Establishing the Pennsylvania Clean Water Procurement Program;
providing for powers and duties of the State Conservation
Commission; and establishing the Watershed Improvement Fund.
AMENDING TITLE 27 (ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES) OF THE PENNSYLVANIA
CONSOLIDATED STATUTES, IN ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP AND
WATERSHED PROTECTION, FURTHER PROVIDING FOR LEGISLATIVE
FINDINGS, FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP FUND AND FOR
AGENCIES; ESTABLISHING THE PENNSYLVANIA CLEAN WATER
PROCUREMENT PROGRAM AND THE WATERSHED INNOVATION AND
IMPROVEMENT FUND.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. Short title.
This act shall be known and may be cited as the Pennsylvania
Clean Water Procurement Program Act.
Section 2. Definitions.
The following words and phrases when used in this act shall
have the meanings given to them in this section unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Authority." The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment
Authority.
"BMP." Pennsylvania Stormwater Best Management Practices
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Manual.
"Commission." The State Conservation Commission.
"Department." The Department of Environmental Protection of
the Commonwealth.
"Entity." An entity that generates and sells certified
nutrient credits.
"Fund." The Watershed Improvement Fund established under
section 5.
"Local environmental benefits." Environmental benefits that
can be directly measured and quantified or modeled, including,
but not limited to, carbon reductions, pathogens, nutrients and
sediment to local freshwater and drinking water resources.
"Nutrient pollutant." Nitrogen or phosphorous.
"Permittee." A municipality or public storm water authority
that discharges or releases a TMDL nutrient to surface or ground
waters of this Commonwealth. The term does not include a person
engaged in agricultural production as defined in section 3 of
the act of June 30, 1981 (P.L.128, No.43), known as the
Agricultural Area Security Law.
"Program." The Pennsylvania Clean Water Procurement Program
established under section 3.
"Request for proposal" or "RFP." A request for proposal
which defines contract terms, future delivery dates and
technical specifications issued by the authority in conjunction
with the department to procure verified TMDL nutrient credits
from a certified load reduction activity that meets the
requirements of any applicable offset program in force regarding
the Chesapeake Bay.
"Sediment." Soils or other erodible materials transported by
storm water as a product of erosion.
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"TMDL." Total maximum daily load.
"TMDL nutrient pollutant." A nutrient pollutant that has
been identified as a cause of nonattainment of water quality
standards and for which a TMDL has been developed to set
allowable annual loading targets.
"Transfer payment." Payment required of each permittee under
section 4.
"Unmet nutrient pollutant TMDL." Total outstanding Federal
requirements going forward three years.
"Verified TMDL nutrient credit." A unit of TMDL nutrient
pollutant load reduction achieved through department
verification of a certified reduction activity based upon an
approved verification plan, including modeled BMP reductions
with approved uncertainty factors as defined by the United
States Environmental Protection Agency.
"Water year." The 12-month period beginning October 1 of
each calendar year.
Section 3. Pennsylvania Clean Water Procurement Program.
(a) Establishment.--The Pennsylvania Clean Water Procurement
Program is established and shall provide for the purchase of
verified TMDL nutrient credits from certified nutrient credit
generators through a competitive bidding process consistent with
62 Pa.C.S. Pt. I (relating to Commonwealth Procurement Code) and
any other competitive process determined to be appropriate by
the department and the commission.
(b) Powers and duties.--The commission shall administer the
program and take any action necessary to effectuate the purposes
of this act.
(c) Contracts with verified TMDL nutrient credit sellers.--
(1) The following shall apply:
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(i) The commission shall, beginning with the water
year in which this subsection takes effect and the
following two water years, publish a notice of the unmet
nutrient pollutant TMDL requirements in the Pennsylvania
Bulletin.
(ii) No later than 60 days following publication of
the notice under subparagraph (i), the authority shall
issue, in consultation with the department, a request for
proposals from certified nutrient credit entities under
62 Pa.C.S. Pt. I for the supply of long-term verified
TMDL nutrient credits for future delivery in order to
fulfill the unmet Federal Chesapeake Bay TMDL parameter
requirement for those water years included in the notice.
(iii) An RFP under subparagraph (ii) shall be for a
minimum term of 10 years and shall allow sufficient time
for the delivery of verified reductions of TMDL
parameters consistent with the time frame necessary for
the permitting and development of public or private
credit generator facilities.
(2) Factors to be considered as part of the criteria for
evaluation of responses received to an RFP and the weighted
percentage to be applied to each factor shall be included by
the commission in temporary regulations published under
section 6 and in final regulations and shall include:
(i) Environmental and recreational benefits to this
Commonwealth and local communities resulting from the
TMDL nutrient pollutant reduction activities, including
verified and modeled green infrastructure benefits and
other TMDL parameter reductions to freshwater resources
of this Commonwealth and the applicable major watershed.
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(ii) Additional criteria determined relevant by the
commission.
(3) The award granted for an RFP shall determine the
adjusted cost of verified TMDL nutrient credits less the
value of the local environmental benefit or green
infrastructure reductions.
(4) The authority will allocate the cost consistent with
the revenue source adopted under this act based on each
permittee's percentage of the total nutrient reduction
mandate sufficient to cover the cost of the program.
Section 4. Replacement of sector allocation with competitive
bidding program.
(a) General rule.--The department shall transfer the
nutrient reduction mandates of a permittee to a competitive
bidding program to enable all certified nutrient credit entities
that can generate verified TMDL nutrient credits to participate
in an RFP on a voluntary basis.
(b) Transfer payment.--In return for being absolved from the
TMDL nutrient reduction mandate, the aggregate number of
permittees may pay into the program $50,000,000 annually for 10
years subject to subsection (c).
(c) Payment amounts.--Payment amounts under subsection (b)
shall be adjusted annually based on the cost determination made
under section 3(c)(2) and (4) as published in the Pennsylvania
Bulletin.
(d) Payment in arrears.--Consistent with 62 Pa.C.S. Pt. I
(relating to Commonwealth Procurement Code), Federal policy
recommendations regarding the procurement of results in lieu of
funding solutions and any applicable State statute, payments to
entities will be made after the department has verified the
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nutrient pollutant reductions. These verifications will be
performed monthly based upon required data submissions from
nutrient credit generators certified by the department.
(e) Certainty.--Upon transfer of the nutrient reduction
mandates under subsection (a), a permittee shall have no ongoing
liability for the mandated nutrient pollutant reductions.
(f) Risk factor reduction.--The department shall attempt to
reduce risk factors imbedded in legacy policy issues that cannot
be otherwise mitigated and do not represent environmental
backsliding by modifying policies consistent with the
requirements of private sector financing requirements.
(g) Offset.--Verified TMDL nutrient credits obtained under
subsection (a) shall be deemed by the department to satisfy
applicable wastewater and storm water TMDL nutrient pollutant
permitting requirements.
Section 5. Watershed Improvement Fund.
(a) Establishment.--The Watershed Improvement Fund is
established within the authority as a special fund.
(b) Deposits.--The following shall be deposited into the
fund:
(1) Any appropriation made to the fund.
(2) Transfer payments from permittees in accordance with
section 4.
(c) Use.--The following shall apply:
(1) Money in the fund shall be used by the commission
for the purchase of verified TMDL nutrient credits under
section 3.
(2) Winning bids will offer 20% of total nutrient
reduction allotment to be available for participation for 30
days by small sources that did not participate in the bidding
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process so that a small producer who installs a BMP can
subscribe to sell their credits into this pool and receive
the winning bid price absent the need to participate in the
bidding process.
Section 6. Regulations.
The commission may promulgate regulations to carry out the
provisions of this act.
Section 7. Effective date.
This act shall take effect in 30 days.
SECTION 1. SECTION 6102 OF TITLE 27 OF THE PENNSYLVANIA
CONSOLIDATED STATUTES IS AMENDED TO READ:
§ 6102. LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS.
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY HEREBY DETERMINES, DECLARES AND FINDS AS
FOLLOWS:
[(1) NINETY-SIX PERCENT OF THE WATER-QUALITY-IMPAIRED
WATERSHEDS IN THIS COMMONWEALTH ARE POLLUTED BECAUSE OF
NONPOINT SOURCES OF POLLUTION SUCH AS PAST MINING ACTIVITIES,
URBAN AND AGRICULTURAL RUNOFF, ATMOSPHERIC DEPOSITION, ON-LOT
SEWAGE SYSTEMS AND EARTHMOVING.
(2) THE COMMONWEALTH CONTINUES TO HAVE UNMET NEEDS IN
THE AREA OF WATER AND SEWER INFRASTRUCTURE. NEW AND IMPROVED
WATER SOURCES, TREATMENT AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS ARE
NECESSARY FOR PUBLIC DRINKING WATER SUPPLIES.
(3) THE COMMONWEALTH OWNS APPROXIMATELY 2.4 MILLION
ACRES OF STATE PARK AND STATE FOREST LANDS AND MANY OF THESE
LANDS SUFFER FROM PAST ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS, INCLUDING
UNRECLAIMED MINES, ACID MINE DRAINAGE AND ABANDONED OIL AND
GAS WELLS.
(4) OPEN SPACE, GREENWAYS, RECREATIONAL TRAILS, RIVER
CORRIDORS, FISH AND WILDLIFE HABITATS, PARKS AND RECREATION
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AREAS AND SCENIC ENVIRONMENTS PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT,
CONSERVE NATURAL RESOURCES AND ADD VALUE TO COMMUNITIES.
(5) STATE PROGRAMS AND STATE FUNDING SHOULD PROVIDE
MAXIMUM FLEXIBILITY FOR ELECTED COUNTY AND MUNICIPAL
GOVERNMENTAL OFFICIALS TO IDENTIFY, PRIORITIZE AND ADDRESS
LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS, INCLUDING ODOR ABATEMENT
PROBLEMS AT SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANTS.]
(1) AS STATED IN SECTION 27 OF ARTICLE I OF THE
CONSTITUTION OF PENNSYLVANIA:
THE PEOPLE HAVE A RIGHT TO CLEAN AIR, PURE WATER AND
TO THE PRESERVATION OF THE NATURAL, SCENIC, HISTORIC
AND ESTHETIC VALUES OF THE ENVIRONMENT.
PENNSYLVANIA'S PUBLIC NATURAL RESOURCES ARE THE
COMMON PROPERTY OF ALL THE PEOPLE, INCLUDING
GENERATIONS YET TO COME. AS TRUSTEE OF THESE
RESOURCES, THE COMMONWEALTH SHALL CONSERVE AND
MAINTAIN THEM FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL THE PEOPLE.
(2) THE COMMONWEALTH HAS AN OBLIGATION TO PROVIDE
GREATER INVESTMENTS TO CONSERVE LAND AND WATER RESOURCES,
RESTORE DAMAGED WATERWAYS AND LAND AND TO CREATE PROSPEROUS
AND SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES.
(3) CLEAN WATER IS VITAL:
(I) TO THE CONTINUED ECONOMIC GROWTH OF THIS
COMMONWEALTH;
(II) TO SUPPORT TOURISM, AGRICULTURE, INDUSTRY,
POWER GENERATION AND RECREATION;
(III) FOR DRINKING WATER SUPPLIES; AND
(IV) TO PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH AND AQUATIC LIFE.
(4) THIS COMMONWEALTH HAS OVER 19,000 MILES OF STREAMS
AND RIVERS THAT DO NOT MEET FEDERAL AND STATE WATER QUALITY
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STANDARDS TO PROTECT AQUATIC LIFE AND PROVIDE SWIMMABLE
RIVERS AND DRINKABLE WATER SUPPLIES.
(5) NONPOINT SOURCES OF POLLUTION CONTINUE TO HAVE A
NEGATIVE IMPACT ON THIS COMMONWEALTH'S ENVIRONMENT.
(6) THIS COMMONWEALTH CONTINUES TO HAVE WATER AND SEWER
INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS. NEW AND IMPROVED WATER SOURCES,
TREATMENT AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS ARE NECESSARY FOR PUBLIC
DRINKING WATER SUPPLIES.
(7) AS NOTED IN THE COMMONWEALTH'S AWARD-WINNING 2014-
2019 PENNSYLVANIA STATEWIDE COMPREHENSIVE OUTDOOR RECREATION
PLAN, OUR 5,600 LOCAL PARKS AND RECREATION AREAS ARE THE MOST
FREQUENTLY VISITED RECREATIONAL ASSETS IN THIS COMMONWEALTH,
AND MOST NEED ADDITIONAL FUNDING TO ADDRESS AGING
INFRASTRUCTURE, DEFERRED MAINTENANCE AND CAPACITY TO CARRY
OUT PROGRAMS AND SERVICES.
(8) THE COMMONWEALTH OWNS APPROXIMATELY 2.5 MILLION
ACRES OF STATE PARK AND STATE FOREST LANDS. OUR STATE PARK
SYSTEM HAS ESTIMATED MANY OF THESE PARKS HAVE ENVIRONMENTAL
PROJECTS AND INFRASTRUCTURE AND DEFERRED MAINTENANCE NEEDS,
SUCH AS DAMS, ROADS, BRIDGES, WATER AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT
FACILITIES, BUILDINGS AND BOAT LAUNCHES.
(9) CONSERVATION OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE FOREST LANDS IS A
COST-EFFECTIVE METHOD FOR PROTECTING WATER QUALITY. FOREST
LANDS FUNCTION AS A RESERVE OF CLEAN WATER FOR THIS
COMMONWEALTH, INCLUDING MUNICIPALITIES THAT RELY ON PUBLIC
WATER SUPPLIES DRAWN FROM WATER RESOURCES ON PUBLIC AND
PRIVATE FORESTED PROPERTIES. FOREST LANDS ACT AS GROUNDWATER
RECHARGE AREAS, PROTECT SURFACE WATER QUALITY, REDUCE SOIL
EROSION, ENHANCE FISH AND WILDLIFE HABITATS AND PROVIDE
OPPORTUNITIES FOR FISHING, BOATING, HUNTING AND TRAPPING.
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(10) ABANDONED MINES REMAIN ACROSS 189,000 ACRES IN 43
COUNTIES AND ARE THE CAUSE OF MORE THAN 5,500 MILES OF
BIOLOGICALLY COMPROMISED STREAMS.
(11) MORE THAN 2,000 WORKING FARMS REMAIN ON COUNTY
WAITING LISTS TO BE PRESERVED FOR CONTINUED AGRICULTURAL USE.
(12) OPEN SPACE, GREENWAYS, RECREATIONAL TRAILS, RIVER
CORRIDORS, FISH AND WILDLIFE HABITATS, PARKS AND RECREATION
AREAS AND SCENIC AREAS PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT, CONSERVE
NATURAL RESOURCES AND ADD QUALITY OF LIFE VALUE THAT ATTRACTS
JOBS, ARE ESSENTIAL TO PENNSYLVANIA'S OUTDOOR RECREATION AND
TOURISM INDUSTRIES AND IMPROVE PUBLIC HEALTH.
(13) INVESTMENTS IN URBAN PARKS, TRAILS, GREENWAYS,
RIVERFRONTS, GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE AND OTHER NATURAL ASSETS
ARE INCREASINGLY UNDERSTOOD TO BE ADVANTAGEOUS TO LOCAL
ECONOMIES, ATTRACTING AND RETAINING RESIDENTS AND PROVIDING
OPPORTUNITIES TO CREATIVELY ADDRESS SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGES
SUCH AS STORM WATER AND FLOODING.
(14) STATE PROGRAMS AND STATE FUNDING SHOULD PROVIDE
OPPORTUNITY AND FLEXIBILITY FOR ELECTED COUNTY AND MUNICIPAL
GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND AUTHORIZED ORGANIZATIONS TO
IDENTIFY, PRIORITIZE AND ADDRESS LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL
CONCERNS.
SECTION 2. SECTION 6104(D)(6) OF TITLE 27 IS AMENDED AND THE
SUBSECTION IS AMENDED BY ADDING A PARAGRAPH TO READ:
§ 6104. FUND.
* * *
(D) ALLOCATION.--THE MONEY APPROPRIATED IN SUBSECTION (C)
SHALL BE ALLOCATED ANNUALLY AS FOLLOWS:
* * *
(6) FOR FISCAL YEAR 2007-2008 [AND EACH YEAR THEREAFTER]
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THROUGH 2016-2017, MONEYS IN THE FUND SHALL BE ALLOCATED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH PARAGRAPH (2).
(7) FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017-2018 AND EACH FISCAL YEAR
THEREAFTER, MONEYS IN THE FUND SHALL BE ALLOCATED AS FOLLOWS:
(I) TWENTY-EIGHT AND NINE-TENTHS PERCENT TO THE
DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES, WHICH
SHALL USE THE ALLOCATION AS FOLLOWS:
(A) AT LEAST 50% FOR GRANTS FOR PROJECTS OF
WHICH THE RECIPIENT IS A COUNTY OR OTHER
MUNICIPALITY, COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS, CONSERVATION
DISTRICT OR AUTHORIZED ORGANIZATION.
(B) AT LEAST 10% FOR LAND TRUST PROJECTS.
(C) AT LEAST 4.5% FOR THE HERITAGE AREAS
PROGRAM.
(D) FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017-2018 THROUGH 2022-2023,
AT LEAST 30% FOR PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS LOCATED WITHIN
THE WATERSHED OF THE SUSQUEHANNA RIVER AND ITS
TRIBUTARIES.
(II) THIRTY-EIGHT AND TWO-TENTHS PERCENT TO THE
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION WHICH FOR FISCAL
YEAR 2017-2018 THROUGH 2022-2023, SHALL USE AT LEAST 40%
OF THE ALLOCATION FOR PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS WITHIN THE
WATERSHED OF THE SUSQUEHANNA RIVER AND ITS TRIBUTARIES.
(III) NINETEEN AND SEVEN-TENTHS PERCENT TO THE
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, WHICH SHALL USE THE ALLOCATION
AS FOLLOWS:
(A) AT LEAST 12% FOR GRANTS TO AUTHORIZED
ORGANIZATIONS TO PRESERVE FARMLAND.
(B) FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017-2018 THROUGH 2022-2023,
AT LEAST 40% FOR PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS LOCATED WITHIN
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THE WATERSHED OF THE SUSQUEHANNA RIVER AND ITS
TRIBUTARIES.
(IV) FOUR AND SIX-TENTHS PERCENT TO THE AUTHORITY
WHICH FOR FISCAL YEARS 2017-2018 THROUGH 2022-2023, SHALL
USE AT LEAST 40% OF THE ALLOCATION FOR PROJECTS AND
PROGRAMS LOCATED WITHIN THE WATERSHED OF THE SUSQUEHANNA
RIVER AND ITS TRIBUTARIES.
(V) THREE AND SIX-TENTHS PERCENT TO THE DEPARTMENT
OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
(VI) TWO AND SIX-TENTHS PERCENT TO THE PENNSYLVANIA
FISH AND BOAT COMMISSION.
(VII) ONE AND THREE-TENTHS PERCENT TO THE
PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION.
(VIII) ONE AND ONE-TENTH PERCENT TO THE PENNSYLVANIA
HISTORICAL AND MUSEUM COMMISSION.
* * *
SECTION 3. SECTION 6105 OF TITLE 27 IS AMENDED TO READ:
§ 6105. AGENCIES.
(A) THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES.--
(1) THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES
SHALL UTILIZE MONEY IT RECEIVES FROM THE FUND FOR THE
FOLLOWING PURPOSES:
(I) TO REHABILITATE, REPAIR AND DEVELOP STATE PARK
AND STATE FOREST LANDS AND FACILITIES AND THE ACQUISITION
OF [INTERIOR] LANDS [WITHIN] FOR STATE PARKS AND STATE
FORESTS.
(II) TO PROVIDE GRANTS TO A COUNTY OR OTHER
MUNICIPALITY, COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS, CONSERVATION
DISTRICTS AND AUTHORIZED ORGANIZATIONS FOR THE PURPOSE OF
PLANNING, EDUCATION, ACQUISITION, DEVELOPMENT,
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REHABILITATION AND REPAIR OF GREENWAYS, RECREATIONAL
TRAILS, INCLUDING CONNECTIONS BETWEEN TRAILS, OPEN SPACE,
NATURAL AREAS, RIVER CORRIDORS AND ACCESS TO RIVERFRONTS,
WATERSHEDS, COMMUNITY [AND HERITAGE] PARKS AND RECREATION
FACILITIES; COMMUNITY CONSERVATION AND BEAUTIFICATION
PROJECTS; FOREST CONSERVATION[;], INCLUDING CONSERVATION
OF FORESTED RIPARIAN BUFFERS; HERITAGE AREAS; AND OTHER
CONSERVATION AND RECREATION PURPOSES. GRANTS UNDER THIS
PARAGRAPH MAY NOT BE USED BY AN AUTHORIZED ORGANIZATION
FOR LAND ACQUISITION UNLESS THE AUTHORIZED ORGANIZATION
OBTAINS THE APPROVAL OF ALL COUNTIES IN WHICH THE LAND IS
SITUATED. GRANT MONEYS MAY ALSO BE USED FOR THE
ACQUISITION OF FARMLAND FOR THE PURPOSES SET FORTH IN
THIS PARAGRAPH.
(III) TO PROVIDE GRANTS TO A COUNTY OR OTHER
MUNICIPALITY AND AUTHORIZED ORGANIZATIONS FOR THE PURPOSE
OF RESEARCH, PLANNING, INVENTORIES AND TECHNICAL
ASSISTANCE INTENDED TO PROTECT AND CONSERVE THE
BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY OF THIS COMMONWEALTH.
(IV) TO SUPPORT FOREST CONSERVATION EASEMENTS,
INCLUDING FUNDING FOR A WORKING FOREST CONSERVATION
EASEMENT INITIATIVE TO PRESERVE THE AVAILABILITY OF
PRIVATELY OWNED FOREST LAND FOR SUSTAINABLE, COMMERCIAL
TIMBERING AND OTHER FOREST-DEPENDENT ECONOMIC USES.
(V) TO PROVIDE FUNDING TO THE WILD RESOURCE
CONSERVATION FUND FOR THE CONSERVATION OF NONGAME
WILDLIFE AND NATIVE WILD FLORA AND THEIR HABITATS, TO
CONDUCT AND SUPPORT RESEARCH TO PRESERVE THIS
COMMONWEALTH'S BIODIVERSITY AND TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC ON
THE VALUE OF CONSERVING THESE SPECIES AND THEIR HABITATS.
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(VI) TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR THE HERITAGE AREAS
PROGRAM ESTABLISHED UNDER ARTICLE XVI-J OF THE ACT OF
APRIL 9, 1929 (P.L.343, NO.176), KNOWN AS THE FISCAL
CODE.
(2) THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES
MAY REQUIRE MATCHING FUNDS AS A CONDITION OF THE AWARD OF A
GRANT UNDER THIS SUBSECTION.
(B) THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.--
(1) THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION SHALL
UTILIZE MONEY IT RECEIVES FROM THE FUND FOR THE FOLLOWING
PURPOSES:
(I) TO IMPLEMENT ACID MINE DRAINAGE ABATEMENT AND
CLEANUP EFFORTS AND ABANDONED MINE LAND CLEANUP EFFORTS
AND PLUG ABANDONED AND ORPHAN OIL AND GAS WELLS.
(II) TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES TO FACILITATE REMINING.
(III) TO PROVIDE GRANTS TO A COUNTY OR OTHER
MUNICIPALITY, COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS, COUNTY CONSERVATION
DISTRICTS, WATERSHED ORGANIZATIONS AND OTHER AUTHORIZED
ORGANIZATIONS FOR ACID MINE DRAINAGE ABATEMENT AND
CLEANUP, MINE AND MINE LAND CLEANUP EFFORTS AND WELL
PLUGGING.
(IV) TO PROVIDE GRANTS AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO A
COUNTY OR OTHER MUNICIPALITY, COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS,
COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICTS, WATERSHED ORGANIZATIONS
AND OTHER AUTHORIZED ORGANIZATIONS TO PLAN AND IMPLEMENT
LOCAL WATERSHED-BASED CONSERVATION EFFORTS.
(V) TO IMPROVE WATER-QUALITY-IMPAIRED WATERSHEDS,
INCLUDING THOSE POLLUTED BY PAST MINING ACTIVITIES,
AGRICULTURAL AND URBAN RUNOFF, ATMOSPHERIC DEPOSITION,
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ON-LOT SEWAGE SYSTEMS AND EARTHMOVING ACTIVITIES.
(VII) FOR WATERSHED PROTECTION.
(VIII) FOR THE REDUCTION OF NONPOINT SOURCE
POLLUTION AND PROTECTION OF LOCAL DRINKING WATER SUPPLIES
THROUGH GRANTS TO WATERSHED ORGANIZATIONS AND OTHER
AUTHORIZED ORGANIZATIONS, THE CREATION OF FORESTED AND
OTHER VEGETATIVE STREAM BUFFERS AND WATERSHED RESTORATION
EFFORTS, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, REDUCING RUNOFF
FROM AGRICULTURE, CONSTRUCTION, WASTE DISPOSAL AND
ABANDONED MINE AND MINE LAND SITES.
(IX) FOR GRANTS TO CHARACTERIZE, REMEDIATE OR
ELIMINATE ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS AT ABANDONED INDUSTRIAL
PROPERTIES OR BROWNFIELDS AND TO PROMOTE ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT BY FACILITATING THE RETURN OF THESE
PROPERTIES TO PRODUCTIVE USE.
(X) FOR NONSTRUCTURAL FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT AND
MITIGATION MEASURES TO MINIMIZE FLOOD DAMAGE, RECLAIM AND
RESTORE THE QUALITY OF FLOODPLAINS, REMOVE OBSTACLES AND
IMPROVE THE NATURAL FUNCTIONS OF STREAM CHANNELS.
(XI) FOR GRANTS TO MUNICIPALITIES AND MUNICIPAL
AUTHORITIES TO DESIGN AND BUILD PROJECTS AND IMPLEMENT
BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES, WITH AN EMPHASIS ON GREEN
INFRASTRUCTURE, IN ORDER TO IMPLEMENT MUNICIPAL SEPARATE
STORM SEWER SYSTEM PLANS OR WHICH COUNT TOWARD THE
REDUCTIONS IDENTIFIED IN THE PENNSYLVANIA INTEGRATED
WATER QUALITY MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT REPORT, IMPLEMENT
TOTAL MAXIMUM DAILY LOAD PLANS OR THE CHESAPEAKE BAY
TOTAL MAXIMUM DAILY LOAD REQUIREMENTS.
(XII) FOR THE PENNSYLVANIA ENERGY HARVEST PROGRAM
FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING GRANTS TO OWNER OF FARMS AND
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SMALL BUSINESSES FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS, INCLUDING,
BUT NOT LIMITED TO, SOLAR, WIND AND METHANE DIGESTER
TECHNOLOGIES.
(XIII) FOR FUNDING TO PARTICIPATING COUNTY
CONSERVATION DISTRICTS TO ASSIST THE OWNERS OF FARMS AND
OTHER PROPERTIES IN PROTECTING LOCAL WATER QUALITY AND
IMPROVING THE SOIL, WATER AND AIR THROUGH THE
INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE OF BEST MAINTENANCE
PRACTICES.
(2) COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICTS MAY FURTHER DISTRIBUTE
GRANTS RECEIVED UNDER THIS SECTION TO WATERSHED ORGANIZATIONS
AND OTHER AUTHORIZED ORGANIZATIONS TO ASSIST IN THE
IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS CHAPTER.
(3) THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MAY
REQUIRE MATCHING FUNDS AS A CONDITION OF THE AWARD OF A GRANT
UNDER THIS SUBSECTION.
(4) FOR THE PERIOD COMMENCING WITH THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF
THIS CHAPTER AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2004, THE DEPARTMENT OF
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MAY UTILIZE UP TO 10% OF THE MONEY
ALLOCATED ANNUALLY TO IT UNDER SECTION 6104(D) (RELATING TO
FUND) TO PROVIDE GRANTS FOR SAFE DRINKING WATER PROJECTS AND
WASTEWATER TREATMENT PROJECTS. GRANTS UNDER THIS PARAGRAPH
SHALL BE MADE FOR THE SAME PURPOSES AND SHALL BE SUBJECT TO
THE SAME LIMITATIONS AS GRANTS AUTHORIZED IN SECTION 6110.
(C) DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.--FUNDS ALLOCATED TO THE
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE UNDER THIS CHAPTER SHALL BE [DEPOSITED
IN THE] USED FOR THE FOLLOWING PURPOSES:
(1) FOR COUNTIES TO PRESERVE FARMLAND THROUGH THE
AGRICULTURAL CONSERVATION EASEMENT PURCHASE FUND [AND ARE]
SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE ACT OF JUNE 30, 1981
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(P.L.128, NO.43), KNOWN AS THE AGRICULTURAL AREA SECURITY
LAW.
(2) FOR GRANTS TO AUTHORIZED ORGANIZATIONS TO PRESERVE
FARMLAND THROUGH THE ACQUISITION OF CONSERVATION EASEMENTS
CONFORMING WITH SECTION 170(H) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE
OF 1986 (PUBLIC LAW 99-514, 26 U.S.C. § 170(H)).
(3) FOR DISBURSEMENT TO THE STATE CONSERVATION
COMMISSION FOR THE COST OF TAX CREDITS FOR ELIGIBLE
AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS THAT IMPLEMENT THE BEST MANAGEMENT
PRACTICES AND MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE RESOURCE
ENHANCEMENT AND PROTECTION TAX CREDIT UNDER ARTICLE XVII-E OF
THE ACT OF MARCH 4, 1971 (P.L.6, NO.2), KNOWN AS THE TAX
REFORM CODE OF 1971.
(4) TO PROVIDE FUNDING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE, IN
COOPERATION WITH THE STATE CONSERVATION COMMISSION, TO ASSIST
THE OWNERS OF FARMS AND OTHER PROPERTIES IN PROTECTING LOCAL
WATER QUALITY AND IN IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF THE SOIL, WATER
AND AIR THROUGH THE INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE OF BEST
MANAGEMENT PRACTICES. FIFTY PERCENT OF THE FUNDING
DISTRIBUTED UNDER THIS PARAGRAPH SHALL BE PROVIDED TO
PARTICIPATING COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICTS.
(5) TO ENCOURAGE NEW FARMERS AND ASSURE THE VIABILITY OF
PRESERVED FARMS BY CREATING FINANCIAL INCENTIVES AND
ENHANCING ACCESS TO FARMLAND AND CAPITAL THROUGH A LOW-
INTEREST LOAN PROGRAM ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF
AGRICULTURE.
(D) THE AUTHORITY.--THE AUTHORITY SHALL UTILIZE MONEY IT
RECEIVES FROM THE FUND TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IN THE
FORM OF GRANTS AND MATCHING GRANTS FOR STORM WATER, WATER AND
SEWER INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS, INCLUDING CONSTRUCTION OR
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REHABILITATION OF COLLECTION AND CONVEYANCE SYSTEMS. THE
AUTHORITY SHALL DEVELOP CRITERIA TO BE USED TO AWARD GRANTS
UNDER THIS SUBSECTION. THE CRITERIA AND PROPOSED CHANGES THERETO
SHALL BE SUBMITTED TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND ENERGY
COMMITTEE OF THE SENATE AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND
ENERGY COMMITTEE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR REVIEW AND
COMMENT. THE COMMITTEES SHALL HAVE 60 DAYS TO SUBMIT COMMENTS TO
THE AUTHORITY. CRITERIA SHALL BE REVIEWED BY THE AUTHORITY AND
THE COMMITTEES AT LEAST ONCE EVERY THREE YEARS.
(D.1) DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.--
(1) THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
SHALL UTILIZE MONEY IT RECEIVES FROM THE FUND FOR THE
FOLLOWING PURPOSES:
(I) FOR GRANTS TO FUND GRASSROOTS COMMUNITY AND
REGIONAL PLANNING EFFORTS THAT SUPPORT WISE LAND USE
DECISIONS BY BALANCING DEVELOPMENT NEEDS WITH
CONSERVATION, RECREATION AND PRESERVATION NEEDS.
(II) FOR GRANTS TO SUPPORT THE GREENING OF URBAN
COMMUNITIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, BICYCLE AND
PEDESTRIAN TRAILS, GREENWAYS, DOWNTOWN PARKS, COMMUNITY
GARDENS, RETROFITS OF SIGNIFICANT COMMUNITY BUILDINGS FOR
ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND REUSE, STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS AND
RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS. GRANTS MUST HAVE A
DEMONSTRABLE ENVIRONMENTAL OR CONSERVATION BENEFIT. THE
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SHALL
CONSULT WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AND THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES
ON RECOMMENDATIONS OF PROJECTS TO BE FUNDED.
(III) FOR THE ELM STREET PROGRAM CREATED BY THE ACT
OF FEBRUARY 9, 2004 (P.L.61, NO.7), KNOWN AS THE ELM
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STREET PROGRAM ACT.
(IV) FOR THE MAIN STREET PROGRAM CREATED BY THE ACT
OF APRIL 23, 2002 (P.L.298, NO.39), KNOWN AS THE MAIN
STREET ACT .
(2) THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
MAY REQUIRE MATCHING FUNDS AS A CONDITION OF THE AWARD OF A
GRANT UNDER THIS SUBSECTION.
(D.2) PENNSYLVANIA FISH AND BOAT COMMISSION.--FUNDS
ALLOCATED TO THE PENNSYLVANIA FISH AND BOAT COMMISSION UNDER
THIS CHAPTER SHALL BE USED FOR THE FOLLOWING PURPOSES:
(1) FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO PUBLIC ACCESS AREAS OWNED BY THE
COMMISSION OR GRANTS TO MUNICIPALITIES OR ORGANIZATIONS FOR
THE PURPOSE OF IMPROVING PUBLIC ACCESS TO THE WATERS OF THIS
COMMONWEALTH.
(2) FOR MAINTENANCE AND REHABILITATION OF DAMS LOCATED
AT LAKES OWNED BY THE COMMISSION, INCLUDING THE INSTALLATION
OF HABITAT ENHANCEMENTS AND IMPROVED PUBLIC ACCESS.
(3) FOR UPGRADES AND IMPROVEMENTS TO STATE FISH
HATCHERIES TO MAINTAIN AND IMPROVE WATER QUALITY AND REDUCE
OPERATING COSTS.
(4) FOR GRANTS TO ORGANIZATIONS THAT PARTICIPATE IN THE
COOPERATIVE NURSERY PROGRAM.
(5) FOR PROJECTS TO IMPROVE FISH AND AQUATIC HABITAT,
INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, INSTREAM FISH HABITAT,
RIPARIAN BUFFERS, FISH PASSAGES AND THE REMOVAL OF SMALL
DAMS.
(D.3) PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION.--FUNDS ALLOCATED TO THE
PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION UNDER THIS CHAPTER SHALL BE USED
FOR THE FOLLOWING PURPOSES:
(1) TO REHABILITATE WATER CONTROL STRUCTURES ON STATE
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GAME LANDS IN ORDER TO IMPROVE WETLAND HABITAT FOR WATER FOWL
AND OTHER WILDLIFE AND TO IMPROVE WATER QUALITY.
(2) FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO FACILITIES ON STATE GAME LANDS,
INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, IMPROVED ROAD ACCESS, ENHANCED
ACCESS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES AND OLDER PERSONS AND
THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO WILDLIFE CONSERVATION EDUCATION
CENTERS.
(D.4) PENNSYLVANIA HISTORICAL AND MUSEUM COMMISSION.--FUNDS
ALLOCATED TO THE PENNSYLVANIA HISTORICAL AND MUSEUM COMMISSION
UNDER THIS CHAPTER SHALL BE USED FOR A HISTORIC PRESERVATION
PROJECT GRANT PROGRAM FOR THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT OF
PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE HISTORIC RESOURCES LISTED IN OR ELIGIBLE FOR
LISTING IN THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES. THE GRANTS
SHALL SUPPORT PROJECTS THAT IDENTIFY, PRESERVE, PROMOTE AND
PROTECT HISTORIC AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES OF THIS
COMMONWEALTH FOR BOTH THE BENEFIT OF THE PUBLIC AND THE
REVITALIZATION OF COMMUNITIES.
(E) ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE LIMITATION.--THE DEPARTMENTS, THE
COMMISSIONS AND THE AUTHORITY MAY NOT EXPEND MORE THAN [2.5%] 5%
OF THE MONEYS RECEIVED FROM THE FUND ON ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.
THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MAY NOT EXPEND MORE
THAN AN AGGREGATE OF 2.5% OF THE MONEYS RECEIVED FROM THE FUND
AND THE MONEYS DIRECTED TO THE HAZARDOUS SITES CLEANUP FUND
PURSUANT TO SECTION 6104(D)(4) AND (5) ON ADMINISTRATIVE
EXPENSES. GRANT RECIPIENTS THAT RECEIVE MONEYS FROM THE FUND FOR
THE PURPOSES SET FORTH IN THIS SECTION MAY NOT EXPEND MORE THAN
[5%] 7.5% OF THE MONEYS RECEIVED FROM THE FUND ON ADMINISTRATIVE
EXPENSES.
(F) EXPENDITURE LIMITATION.--
(1) NO MONEYS MADE AVAILABLE THROUGH THE FUND SHALL BE
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USED FOR ANY PURPOSE WHICH, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, PRECLUDES
ACCESS TO OR USE OF ANY FORESTED LAND FOR THE PRACTICE OF
SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY AND COMMERCIAL PRODUCTION OF TIMBER OR
OTHER FOREST PRODUCTS.
(2) THIS SUBSECTION SHALL NOT APPLY TO FUNDS USED [BY
THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES,
COUNTIES OR MUNICIPALITIES] FOR THE PURCHASE OR IMPROVEMENT
OF PARK LAND TO BE USED FOR PUBLIC RECREATION.
(G) REGULATIONS.--THE DEPARTMENTS, COMMISSIONS AND THE
AUTHORITY MAY PROMULGATE REGULATIONS NECESSARY TO CARRY OUT THE
PURPOSES OF THIS CHAPTER.
SECTION 4. TITLE 27 IS AMENDED BY ADDING A CHAPTER TO READ:
CHAPTER 67
PENNSYLVANIA CLEAN WATER PROCUREMENT PROGRAM
SEC.
6701. SCOPE OF CHAPTER.
6702. DEFINITIONS.
6703. PENNSYLVANIA CLEAN WATER PROCUREMENT PROGRAM.
6704. WATERSHED INNOVATION AND IMPROVEMENT FUND.
6705. REGULATIONS.
§ 6701. SCOPE OF CHAPTER.
THIS CHAPTER RELATES TO THE PENNSYLVANIA CLEAN WATER
PROCUREMENT PROGRAM.
§ 6702. DEFINITIONS.
THE FOLLOWING WORDS AND PHRASES WHEN USED IN THIS CHAPTER
SHALL HAVE THE MEANINGS GIVEN TO THEM IN THIS SECTION UNLESS THE
CONTEXT CLEARLY INDICATES OTHERWISE:
"AUTHORITY." THE PENNSYLVANIA INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT
AUTHORITY.
"BMP." BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES MANUAL.
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" CHESAPEAKE BAY TMDL. " THE CHESAPEAKE BAY TOTAL DAILY
MAXIMUM LOAD FOR NITROGEN, PHOSPHORUS AND SEDIMENT, ESTABLISHED
BY THE UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY ON DECEMBER
29, 2010.
"COMMISSION." THE STATE CONSERVATION COMMISSION.
"DEPARTMENT." THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OF
THE COMMONWEALTH.
"ENTITY." AN ENTITY THAT GENERATES AND SELLS CERTIFIED
NUTRIENT CREDITS.
"FUND." THE WATERSHED INNOVATION AND IMPROVEMENT FUND
ESTABLISHED UNDER THIS CHAPTER.
" MODELED BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICE REDUCTIONS. " REDUCTION IN
BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES APPROVED BY THE CHESAPEAKE BAY PROGRAM
WATERSHED MODEL AND THAT INCORPORATES AN UNCERTAINTY FACTOR OF
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY.
"NONPOINT SOURCE POLLUTION REDUCTION BENEFITS." POLLUTION
REDUCTIONS THAT CAN BE DIRECTLY MEASURED AND QUANTIFIED, OR
MODELED INCORPORATING EPA UNCERTAINTY FACTORS, INCLUDING, BUT
NOT LIMITED TO, NONPOINT SOURCE PHOSPHOROUS, NITROGEN AND
SEDIMENT LOADS TO SURFACE WATER AND GROUNDWATER RESOURCES AND
PATHOGENS.
"NUTRIENT POLLUTANT." NITROGEN OR PHOSPHOROUS.
"PROGRAM." THE PENNSYLVANIA CLEAN WATER PROCUREMENT PROGRAM
ESTABLISHED UNDER THIS CHAPTER.
"REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL" OR "RFP." A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL THAT
DEFINES CONTRACT TERMS, FUTURE DELIVERY DATES AND TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS AND IS ISSUED BY THE AUTHORITY, IN CONJUNCTION
WITH THE DEPARTMENT, TO PROCURE VERIFIED TMDL NUTRIENT CREDITS
FROM A LOAD REDUCTION ACTIVITY THAT MEETS THE REQUIREMENTS OF
ANY APPLICABLE OFFSET PROGRAM IN FORCE REGARDING THE CHESAPEAKE
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BAY.
"SEDIMENT." SOILS OR OTHER ERODIBLE MATERIALS TRANSPORTED BY
STORM WATER AS A PRODUCT OF EROSION.
"TMDL." TOTAL MAXIMUM DAILY LOAD.
"VERIFIED TMDL NUTRIENT CREDIT." A UNIT OF NUTRIENT
POLLUTANT LOAD REDUCTION.
"WATER YEAR." THE 12-MONTH PERIOD BEGINNING OCTOBER 1 OF
EACH CALENDAR YEAR.
§ 6703. PENNSYLVANIA CLEAN WATER PROCUREMENT PROGRAM.
(A) ESTABLISHMENT.--THE PENNSYLVANIA CLEAN WATER PROCUREMENT
PROGRAM IS ESTABLISHED AND SHALL PROVIDE FOR THE PURCHASE OF
VERIFIED TMDL NUTRIENT CREDITS FROM NUTRIENT CREDIT GENERATORS
THROUGH A COMPETITIVE BIDDING PROCESS CONSISTENT WITH 62 PA.C.S.
PT. I (RELATING TO COMMONWEALTH PROCUREMENT CODE) AND ANY OTHER
COMPETITIVE PROCESS DETERMINED TO BE APPROPRIATE BY THE
COMMISSION, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT.
(B) POWERS AND DUTIES.--THE DEPARTMENT SHALL ADMINISTER THE
PROGRAM AND TAKE ANY ACTION NECESSARY TO EFFECTUATE THE PURPOSES
OF THIS CHAPTER.
(C) CONTRACTS WITH VERIFIED TMDL NUTRIENT CREDIT SELLERS.--
(1) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL, BEGINNING WITH THE WATER YEAR
IN WHICH THIS SECTION TAKES EFFECT AND THE FOLLOWING WATER
YEARS, PUBLISH A NOTICE OF THE AGGREGATE UNMET CHESAPEAKE BAY
TMDL NUTRIENT POLLUTANT REDUCTION REQUIREMENTS IN THE
PENNSYLVANIA BULLETIN.
(2) SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDING TO PURCHASE
CREDITS, NO LATER THAN 60 DAYS FOLLOWING PUBLICATION OF THE
NOTICE UNDER PARAGRAPH (1), THE AUTHORITY SHALL ISSUE, IN
CONSULTATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT, A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
FROM VERIFIED NUTRIENT CREDIT ENTITIES UNDER 62 PA.C.S. PT. I
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FOR THE SUPPLY OF LONG-TERM VERIFIED TMDL NUTRIENT CREDITS
FOR FUTURE DELIVERY IN ORDER TO FULFILL THE UNMET CHESAPEAKE
BAY TMDL NUTRIENT POLLUTANT REDUCTION REQUIREMENT FOR THOSE
WATER YEARS INCLUDED IN THE NOTICE.
(3) THE RFP UNDER PARAGRAPH (2) SHALL BE FOR A MINIMUM
TERM OF 10 YEARS AND SHALL ALLOW SUFFICIENT TIME FOR THE
DELIVERY OF VERIFIED REDUCTIONS OF TMDL PARAMETERS CONSISTENT
WITH THE TIME FRAME NECESSARY FOR THE PERMITTING AND
DEVELOPMENT OF PUBLIC OR PRIVATE CREDIT GENERATOR FACILITIES.
(4) FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED AS PART OF THE CRITERIA FOR
EVALUATION OF RESPONSES RECEIVED TO THE RFP AND THE WEIGHTED
PERCENTAGE TO BE APPLIED TO EACH FACTOR SHALL BE INCLUDED BY
THE COMMISSION IN TEMPORARY REGULATIONS PUBLISHED UNDER
SECTION 6705 (RELATING TO REGULATIONS) AND IN FINAL
REGULATIONS AND SHALL INCLUDE:
(I) ENVIRONMENTAL AND RECREATIONAL BENEFITS TO THIS
COMMONWEALTH AND LOCAL COMMUNITIES RESULTING FROM THE
TMDL NUTRIENT POLLUTANT REDUCTION ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING
VERIFIED AND MODELED GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE BENEFITS AND
OTHER TMDL PARAMETER REDUCTIONS TO THE SURFACE WATER AND
GROUNDWATER RESOURCES OF THIS COMMONWEALTH.
(II) ADDITIONAL CRITERIA DETERMINED RELEVANT BY THE
COMMISSION AND THE DEPARTMENT.
(5) THE AWARD GRANTED FOR THE RFP SHALL DETERMINE THE
ADJUSTED COST OF VERIFIED TMDL NUTRIENT CREDITS LESS THE
VALUE OF THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFIT OR GREEN
INFRASTRUCTURE REDUCTIONS.
(6) CONSISTENT WITH 62 PA.C.S. PT. I (RELATING TO
COMMONWEALTH PROCUREMENT CODE), FEDERAL POLICY
RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING THE PROCUREMENT OF RESULTS IN LIEU
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OF FUNDING SOLUTIONS AND ANY APPLICABLE STATE STATUTE,
PAYMENTS TO ENTITIES MAY OCCUR ONLY AFTER THE DEPARTMENT HAS
VERIFIED THE NUTRIENT POLLUTANT REDUCTIONS. THE VERIFICATIONS
SHALL BE PERFORMED MONTHLY BASED UPON REQUIRED DATA
SUBMISSIONS FROM NUTRIENT CREDIT GENERATORS CERTIFIED BY THE
DEPARTMENT.
§ 6704. WATERSHED INNOVATION AND IMPROVEMENT FUND.
(A) ESTABLISHMENT.--THE WATERSHED INNOVATION AND IMPROVEMENT
FUND IS ESTABLISHED IN THE STATE TREASURY.
(B) SOURCE OF FUNDING.--THE FUND SHALL CONSIST OF
A PPROPRIATIONS MADE TO THE FUND AND INTEREST EARNED ON MONEY OF
THE FUND.
(C) USE.--MONEY IN THE FUND SHALL BE USED BY THE AUTHORITY
FOR THE PURCHASE OF VERIFIED TMDL NUTRIENT CREDITS UNDER SECTION
6703 (RELATING TO PENNSYLVANIA CLEAN WATER PROCUREMENT PROGRAM),
PROVIDED THAT WINNING BIDS MUST OFFER 20% OF TOTAL NUTRIENT
REDUCTION ALLOTMENT TO BE AVAILABLE FOR PARTICIPATION FOR 30
DAYS BY MODELED BMP ' S TO SELL THEIR CREDITS INTO THIS POOL AND
RECEIVE THE WINNING BID PRICE ABSENT THE NEED TO PARTICIPATE IN
THE BIDDING PROCESS.
§ 6705. REGULATIONS.
THE DEPARTMENT MAY PROMULGATE REGULATIONS TO CARRY OUT THE
PROVISIONS OF THIS CHAPTER.
SECTION 5. THIS ACT SHALL TAKE EFFECT IN 60 DAYS.
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