Posted: | February 12, 2021 03:50 PM |
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From: | Representative Christopher B. Quinn |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Clean Streams Laws (Former HB177) |
In the near future, I will reintroduce legislation to amend Act 162, known as the Clean Streams Law, to provide for a riparian buffer waiver process. In October 2014, the General Assembly passed Act 162, which amended the Clean Streams Law. The Act provides for alternative methods to comply with the NDPES Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Construction Activities (NPDES Stormwater Construction). §402 requires an applicant to use or install a riparian buffer or riparian forest buffer, or alternatives that are substantially equivalent to riparian buffers. Subsequently, the Department of Environmental Protection interpreted Act 162 as also eliminating the current existing regulatory waivers and exemptions. Therefore, legislation is needed to clarify the original intent of Act 162 – to provide more flexibility and choices in protecting water quality. Please join me in cosponsoring this legislation. |
Introduced as HB1240