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Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2013 - 2014 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	December 13, 2012 03:25 PM
From:	Senator Scott E. Hutchinson
To:	All Senate members
Subject:	Amending the Dam Safety and Encroachments Act

In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation amending the Dam Safety and Encroachments Act (Act 325 of 1978) requiring the Environmental Quality Board to establish guidelines for stream clearing activities by persons owning adjacent property or local municipalities. The intent of this legislation is to provide for a clear and streamlined system of removing stream obstructions. Currently, the permitting process for clearing obstructions from steams is both costly and burdensome. As evident from past flooding events, obstructions can become hazardous to life and property. While some smaller stream clearings can be completed without permits, other minor problems like gravel bars frequently cannot. Since these minor projects involve clearing channels and do not alter any flow of water or create any significant impact on our waterways, this legislation would create a clear and effective process that will better manage such problems without the complicated, burdensome and costly permitting process. This legislation includes measures to further expedite stream clearings when such activities are deemed to be an emergency by local, county, or state authorities. If you have any questions regarding this legislation, please do hesitate to contact my Harrisburg office at 717-787-9684.

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