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| PRIOR PRINTER'S NO. 1791 | PRINTER'S NO. 4013 |
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| THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA |
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| HOUSE BILL |
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| INTRODUCED BY DEASY, MUSTIO, VULAKOVICH, MATZIE, BRADFORD, DERMODY, FABRIZIO, FRANKEL, FREEMAN, GEORGE, MAHONEY, MELIO, MURPHY, READSHAW, CASORIO, MARSHALL, D. COSTA AND MURT, MAY 6, 2009 |
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| AS REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND ENERGY, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, AS AMENDED, JUNE 29, 2010 |
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| AN ACT |
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1 | Amending Title 53 (Municipalities Generally) of the Pennsylvania |
2 | Consolidated Statutes, transferring provisions relating to |
3 | environmental advisory councils; providing for the |
4 | designation and regulation of geologically hazardous areas |
5 | throughout this Commonwealth to protect people and limit |
6 | property damage and the disruption of commerce from the |
7 | possible dangers associated with land development in areas |
8 | that are prone to landslides, sinkholes or other geologic |
9 | hazards; imposing duties and conferring powers on the |
10 | Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of |
11 | Conservation and Natural Resources and municipalities; and |
12 | providing for enforcement and remedies. |
13 | The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania |
14 | hereby enacts as follows: |
15 | Section 1. Subchapter B of Chapter 23 of Title 53 of the |
16 | Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes is repealed: |
17 | [SUBCHAPTER B |
18 | ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COUNCILS |
19 | Sec. |
20 | 2321. Scope of subchapter. |
21 | 2322. Establishment of environmental advisory council. |
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1 | 2323. Composition and organization of council. |
2 | 2324. Powers and duties of council. |
3 | 2325. Records and reports. |
4 | 2326. Appropriations for expenses of council. |
5 | 2327. Status of existing agencies unaffected. |
6 | 2328. Assistance from State Conservation Commission. |
7 | 2329. Assistance from Department of Community and Economic |
8 | Development. |
9 | § 2321. Scope of subchapter. |
10 | This subchapter applies to all municipal corporations. |
11 | § 2322. Establishment of environmental advisory council. |
12 | The governing body of any municipal corporation or group of |
13 | two or more municipal corporations may by ordinance establish an |
14 | environmental advisory council to advise other local |
15 | governmental agencies, including, but not limited to, the |
16 | planning commission, park and recreation boards and elected |
17 | officials, on matters dealing with protection, conservation, |
18 | management, promotion and use of natural resources, including |
19 | air, land and water resources, located within its or their |
20 | territorial limits. |
21 | § 2323. Composition and organization of council. |
22 | (a) Composition.--An environmental advisory council shall be |
23 | composed of no less than three nor more than seven residents of |
24 | the municipal corporation establishing the council, who shall be |
25 | appointed and all vacancies filled by the governing body. Where |
26 | two or more municipal corporations jointly establish an |
27 | environmental advisory council, the members shall be appointed |
28 | in the same manner by each of the respective municipal |
29 | corporations establishing the council, each constituent |
30 | municipal corporation to have equal membership on the joint |
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1 | council. |
2 | (b) Term of office.--Council members shall serve for three |
3 | years except that initial appointments shall be so staggered |
4 | that the terms of approximately one-third of the membership |
5 | shall expire each year, the terms of their successors to be of |
6 | three years each. |
7 | (c) Compensation and expenses.--Members shall receive no |
8 | compensation for their services but shall be reimbursed for the |
9 | expenses actually and necessarily incurred by them in the |
10 | performance of their duties. |
11 | (d) Chairman.--The appointing authority shall designate the |
12 | chairman of the council except that in joint councils the |
13 | chairman shall be elected by the duly selected members. Whenever |
14 | possible, one member shall also be a member of the municipal |
15 | planning board. |
16 | § 2324. Powers and duties of council. |
17 | (a) General rule.--An environmental advisory council shall |
18 | have the power to: |
19 | (1) Identify environmental problems and recommend plans |
20 | and programs to the appropriate agencies for the promotion |
21 | and conservation of the natural resources and for the |
22 | protection and improvement of the quality of the environment |
23 | within its territorial limits. |
24 | (2) Make recommendations as to the possible use of open |
25 | land areas of the municipal corporations within its |
26 | territorial limits. |
27 | (3) Promote a community environmental program. |
28 | (4) Keep an index of all open areas, publicly or |
29 | privately owned, including flood-prone areas, swamps and |
30 | other unique natural areas, for the purpose of obtaining |
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1 | information on the proper use of those areas. |
2 | (5) Advise the appropriate local government agencies, |
3 | including the planning commission and recreation and park |
4 | board or, if none, the elected governing body or bodies |
5 | within its territorial limits, in the acquisition of both |
6 | real and personal property by gift, purchase, grant, bequest, |
7 | easement, devise or lease, in matters dealing with the |
8 | purposes of this subchapter. |
9 | (b) Limitation.--An environmental advisory council shall not |
10 | exercise any powers or perform any duties which by law are |
11 | conferred or imposed upon a Commonwealth agency. |
12 | § 2325. Records and reports. |
13 | An environmental advisory council shall keep records of its |
14 | meetings and activities and shall make an annual report which |
15 | shall be printed in the annual report of the municipal |
16 | corporation or, if none, otherwise made known and available. |
17 | § 2326. Appropriations for expenses of council. |
18 | The governing body of any municipal corporation establishing |
19 | an environmental advisory council may appropriate funds for the |
20 | expenses incurred by the council. Appropriations may be expended |
21 | for those administrative, clerical, printing and legal services |
22 | as may be required and as shall be within the limit of funds |
23 | appropriated to the council. The whole or any part of any funds |
24 | so appropriated in any year may be placed in a conservation fund |
25 | and allowed to accumulate from year to year or may be expended |
26 | in any year. |
27 | § 2327. Status of existing agencies unaffected. |
28 | This subchapter shall not be construed to require a municipal |
29 | corporation to abolish an existing commission with a related |
30 | responsibility or to prevent its establishment. |
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1 | § 2328. Assistance from State Conservation Commission. |
2 | The State Conservation Commission shall establish a program |
3 | of assistance to environmental advisory councils that may |
4 | include educational services, exchange of information, |
5 | assignment of technical personnel for natural resources planning |
6 | assistance and the coordination of State and local conservation |
7 | activities. |
8 | § 2329. Assistance from Department of Community and Economic |
9 | Development. |
10 | The Department of Community and Economic Development shall |
11 | establish a program of assistance to environmental advisory |
12 | councils in planning for the management, use and development of |
13 | open space and recreation areas.] |
14 | Section 2. Title 53 is amended by adding a part to read: |
15 | PART VI |
16 | ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS |
17 | Subpart |
18 | A. Environmental Planning |
19 | B. Special Considerations |
20 | SUBPART A |
21 | ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING |
22 | Chapter |
23 | 71. Environmental Advisory Councils |
24 | CHAPTER 71 |
25 | ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COUNCILS |
26 | Sec. |
27 | 7101. Scope of chapter. |
28 | 7102. Establishment of environmental advisory council. |
29 | 7103. Composition and organization of council. |
30 | 7104. Powers and duties of council. |
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1 | 7105. Records and reports. |
2 | 7106. Appropriations for expenses of council. |
3 | 7107. Status of existing agencies unaffected. |
4 | 7108. Assistance from State Conservation Commission. |
5 | 7109. Assistance from Department of Community and Economic |
6 | Development. |
7 | § 7101. Scope of chapter. |
8 | This chapter applies to all municipal corporations. |
9 | § 7102. Establishment of environmental advisory council. |
10 | The governing body of any municipal corporation or group of |
11 | two or more municipal corporations may by ordinance establish an |
12 | environmental advisory council to advise other local |
13 | governmental agencies, including, but not limited to, the |
14 | planning commission, park and recreation boards and elected |
15 | officials, on matters dealing with protection, conservation, |
16 | management, promotion and use of natural resources, including |
17 | air, land and water resources, located within its or their |
18 | territorial limits. |
19 | § 7103. Composition and organization of council. |
20 | (a) Composition.--An environmental advisory council shall be |
21 | composed of not less than three nor more than seven residents of |
22 | the municipal corporation establishing the council who shall be |
23 | appointed and all vacancies filled by the governing body. Where |
24 | two or more municipal corporations jointly establish an |
25 | environmental advisory council, the members shall be appointed |
26 | in the same manner by each of the respective municipal |
27 | corporations establishing the council, each constituent |
28 | municipal corporation shall have equal membership on the joint |
29 | council. |
30 | (b) Term of office.--Council members shall serve for three |
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1 | years except that initial appointments shall be so staggered |
2 | that the terms of approximately one-third of the membership |
3 | shall expire each year, the terms of their successors shall be |
4 | three years each. |
5 | (c) Compensation and expenses.--Members shall receive no |
6 | compensation for their services but shall be reimbursed for the |
7 | expenses actually and necessarily incurred by them in the |
8 | performance of their duties. |
9 | (d) Chairman.--The appointing authority shall designate the |
10 | chairman of the council, except that in joint councils, the |
11 | chairman shall be elected by the duly selected members. Whenever |
12 | possible, one member shall also be a member of the municipal |
13 | planning board. |
14 | § 7104. Powers and duties of council. |
15 | (a) General rule.--An environmental advisory council shall |
16 | have the power to: |
17 | (1) Identify environmental problems and recommend plans |
18 | and programs to the appropriate agencies for the promotion |
19 | and conservation of the natural resources and for the |
20 | protection and improvement of the quality of the environment |
21 | within its territorial limits. |
22 | (2) Make recommendations as to the possible use of open |
23 | land areas of the municipal corporations within the council's |
24 | territorial limits. |
25 | (3) Promote a community environmental program. |
26 | (4) Keep an index of all open areas, publicly or |
27 | privately owned, including flood-prone areas, swamps and |
28 | other unique natural areas, for the purpose of obtaining |
29 | information on the proper use of those areas. |
30 | (5) Advise the appropriate local government agencies, |
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1 | including the planning commission and recreation and park |
2 | board or, if none, the elected governing body or bodies |
3 | within the council's territorial limits, in the acquisition |
4 | of both real and personal property by gift, purchase, grant, |
5 | bequest, easement, devise or lease, in matters dealing with |
6 | the purposes of this chapter. |
7 | (b) Limitation.--An environmental advisory council shall not |
8 | exercise any powers or perform any duties which by law are |
9 | conferred or imposed upon a Commonwealth agency. |
10 | § 7105. Records and reports. |
11 | An environmental advisory council shall keep records of its |
12 | meetings and activities and shall make an annual report which |
13 | shall be printed in the annual report of the municipal |
14 | corporation or, if none, otherwise made known and available. |
15 | § 7106. Appropriations for expenses of council. |
16 | The governing body of any municipal corporation establishing |
17 | an environmental advisory council may appropriate funds for the |
18 | expenses incurred by the council. Appropriations may be expended |
19 | for those administrative, clerical, printing and legal services |
20 | as may be required and as shall be within the limit of funds |
21 | appropriated to the council. The whole or any part of any funds |
22 | so appropriated in any year may be placed in a conservation fund |
23 | and allowed to accumulate from year to year or may be expended |
24 | in any year. |
25 | § 7107. Status of existing agencies unaffected. |
26 | This chapter shall not be construed to require a municipal |
27 | corporation to abolish an existing commission with a related |
28 | responsibility or to prevent its establishment. |
29 | § 7108. Assistance from State Conservation Commission. |
30 | The State Conservation Commission shall establish a program |
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1 | of assistance to environmental advisory councils that may |
2 | include educational services, exchange of information, |
3 | assignment of technical personnel for natural resources planning |
4 | assistance and the coordination of State and local conservation |
5 | activities. |
6 | § 7109. Assistance from Department of Community and Economic |
7 | Development. |
8 | The Department of Community and Economic Development shall |
9 | establish a program of assistance to environmental advisory |
10 | councils in planning for the management, use and development of |
11 | open space and recreation areas. |
12 | SUBPART B |
13 | SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS |
14 | Chapter |
15 | 75. Geologically Hazardous Areas |
16 | CHAPTER 75 |
17 | GEOLOGICALLY HAZARDOUS AREAS |
18 | Subchapter |
19 | A. Preliminary Provisions |
20 | B. Agency and Municipal Responsibilities |
21 | C. Enforcement and Remedies |
22 | D. Miscellaneous Provisions |
23 | SUBCHAPTER A |
24 | PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS |
25 | Sec. |
26 | 7501. Short title of chapter. |
27 | 7502. Purpose. |
28 | 7503. Definitions. |
29 | § 7501. Short title of chapter. |
30 | This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the |
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1 | Geologically Hazardous Areas Act. |
2 | § 7502. Purpose. |
3 | The purpose of this chapter is to: |
4 | (1) Protect people and property from the dangers and |
5 | damage associated with earth disturbance activity in |
6 | geologically hazardous areas that may be prone to landslides |
7 | or sinkholes and other hazardous conditions, such as |
8 | hazardous rock and soil slippage, and other soil management |
9 | problems. |
10 | (2) Recognize and minimize the man-made conditions that |
11 | increase the potential for: |
12 | (i) Landslides and other gravity-driven movements of |
13 | susceptible rock and soil. |
14 | (ii) Sinkhole development and related subsidence in |
15 | soluble units. |
16 | (iii) Degradation of surface and groundwater |
17 | resources associated with the alteration of geologic |
18 | conditions. |
19 | (3) Authorize a comprehensive and coordinated program to |
20 | regulate earth disturbance activity in geologically hazardous |
21 | areas using sound land use practices designed to prevent |
22 | damage to and destruction of private and public property and |
23 | structures, to prevent the disruption of commerce and |
24 | preserve and restore the natural ecological systems. |
25 | (4) Encourage administration, management and stewardship |
26 | of geologically hazardous areas consistent with the |
27 | obligation to avoid the unnecessary expenditure of public |
28 | moneys, the Commonwealth's duty as trustee of natural |
29 | resources and the people's constitutional right to the |
30 | preservation of the natural, scenic, aesthetic and historic |
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1 | values of the environment. |
2 | § 7503. Definitions. |
3 | The following words and phrases when used in this chapter |
4 | shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the |
5 | context clearly indicates otherwise: |
6 | "Closed depression." Part of the land surface on a site that |
7 | drains internally, has generally sunk to a variable depth and is |
8 | generally characterized by a downward movement of soil into |
9 | bedrock voids without breaking the ground surface. |
10 | "Department." The Department of Environmental Protection of |
11 | the Commonwealth. |
12 | "Earth disturbance activity." A construction or other human |
13 | activity that disturbs the surface of the land, including, but |
14 | not limited to, land clearing and grubbing, grading, |
15 | excavations, embankments, land development, agricultural plowing |
16 | or tilling cultivation, operation of animal heavy use areas, |
17 | timber harvesting activities, road maintenance activities, oil |
18 | and gas activities, well drilling, mineral or oil extraction and | <-- |
19 | the moving, depositing, stockpiling or storing of soil, rock or |
20 | earth materials, provided, however, the term does not include, | <-- |
21 | and this act does not regulate, any surface or subsurface |
22 | activities of any person or legal entity that is regulated by |
23 | the act of December 19, 1984 (P.L.1093, No.219), known as the |
24 | Noncoal Surface Mining Conservation and Reclamation Act, the act |
25 | of May 31, 1945 (P.L.1198, No.418), known as the Surface Mining |
26 | Conservation and Reclamation Act, the act of April 27, 1966 (1st |
27 | Sp.Sess., P.L.31, No.1), known as The Bituminous Mine Subsidence |
28 | and Land Conservation Act, or the act of September 24, 1968 |
29 | (P.L.1040, No.318), known as the Coal Refuse Disposal Control |
30 | Act. |
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1 | "Geologically hazardous area." An area with geologic |
2 | formations or soil conditions, or both, that under natural |
3 | conditions or when disturbed are documented by a licensed |
4 | professional to be geologically susceptible to cause, or |
5 | historically have caused, a hazardous condition. |
6 | "Hazardous condition." Any condition that may include, but |
7 | not be limited to, a mass earth movement, such as a soil and |
8 | rock slide, acid formation or sinkhole development, that: |
9 | (1) has a negative environmental impact; |
10 | (2) constitutes a danger or potential danger to life, |
11 | health or property; or |
12 | (3) threatens the safety, use or stability of property, |
13 | public ways, structures or utilities. |
14 | "Karst." A type of topography that is formed over limestone, |
15 | dolomite or gypsum by bedrock solution and characterized by |
16 | closed depressions or sinkholes, caves and underground drainage. |
17 | "Licensed professional." A person licensed by the |
18 | Commonwealth in the applicable practice under the act of May 23, |
19 | 1945 (P.L.913, No.367), known as the Engineer, Land Surveyor and |
20 | Geologist Registration Law. |
21 | "Sinkhole." A surface feature that is: |
22 | (1) formed in a karst area; |
23 | (2) characterized by a roughly circular hole in the |
24 | ground of variable size and depth; and |
25 | (3) the result of the movement of soil, rocks or similar |
26 | materials down into voids in the limestone bedrock or |
27 | regolith. |
28 | SUBCHAPTER B |
29 | AGENCY AND MUNICIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES |
30 | Sec. |
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1 | 7511. Duties of Department of Conservation and Natural |
2 | Resources. |
3 | 7512. Geologic reports. |
4 | 7513. Duties of department. |
5 | 7514. Inspections. |
6 | 7515. Liability. |
7 | 7516. Conditioned approval by municipality. |
8 | 7517. Scope. | <-- |
9 | § 7511. Duties of Department of Conservation and Natural |
10 | Resources. |
11 | (a) General rule.--The Department of Conservation and |
12 | Natural Resources shall: |
13 | (1) Develop techniques and criteria for mapping |
14 | geologically hazardous areas in this Commonwealth. |
15 | (2) Identify and delineate geologically hazardous areas |
16 | in this Commonwealth. |
17 | (3) Analyze: |
18 | (i) The type and nature of rock and soil susceptible |
19 | to acid formation, a landslide, a sinkhole or development |
20 | of karst that may result in a hazardous condition. |
21 | (ii) Other relevant factors determined by the |
22 | Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. |
23 | (4) Create an inventory of data developed under this |
24 | section that is publicly available. |
25 | (5) Notify the municipalities identified as falling |
26 | within a geologically hazardous area or having within their |
27 | boundaries a geologically hazardous area. |
28 | (b) Report.--Within two years following enactment of this |
29 | chapter, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources |
30 | shall report to the General Assembly the information gathered |
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1 | under subsection (a), including the mapping of geologically |
2 | hazardous areas of high priority, as defined by the Department |
3 | of Conservation and Natural Resources, and a projected plan to |
4 | continue gathering the information directed by subsection (a). |
5 | (c) Review and update.--The Department of Conservation and |
6 | Natural Resources shall periodically review and update the |
7 | following, which shall be forwarded to the department: |
8 | (1) The techniques and criteria for mapping geologically |
9 | hazardous areas in this Commonwealth. |
10 | (2) The maps of geologically hazardous areas in this |
11 | Commonwealth. |
12 | (d) Performance of duties.--In performing its duties under |
13 | this section, the Department of Conservation and Natural |
14 | Resources shall: |
15 | (1) Review aerial photographs and maps, soil data and |
16 | geologic information, which may include: |
17 | (i) Data and reports from other departments. |
18 | (ii) Geologic reports under section 7512 (relating |
19 | to geologic reports). |
20 | (2) Perform site visits and studies as necessary. |
21 | (e) Publication of hazardous areas.--The Department of |
22 | Conservation and Natural Resources shall publish in the |
23 | Pennsylvania Bulletin a list of all municipalities that fall |
24 | within a geologically hazardous area or have geologically |
25 | hazardous areas within their boundaries, as identified and |
26 | delineated under subsection (a)(2). The list shall be published |
27 | at least annually and more often if updated, but at least 30 |
28 | days prior to the municipality being officially designated. |
29 | (f) Regulations.--The Department of Conservation and Natural |
30 | Resources may promulgate regulations necessary to implement this |
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1 | section. |
2 | § 7512. Geologic reports. |
3 | (a) General rule.--A person proposing to undertake earth |
4 | disturbance activity within a geologically hazardous area shall |
5 | submit a geologic report, prepared and sealed by a licensed |
6 | professional, to the municipality and department or its |
7 | delegated designee, along with: |
8 | (1) any application to discharge pollutants or storm |
9 | water under a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System |
10 | Permit for Discharges Associated with Construction Activities |
11 | or any other authorization relating to earthmoving |
12 | activities; |
13 | (2) a plan to control erosion and sediment required |
14 | under departmental rules and regulations; or |
15 | (3) a plan to manage postconstruction storm water |
16 | required under departmental rules and regulations. |
17 | (b) Additional requirements.--In addition to the application |
18 | requirements for the items set forth in subsection (a), a |
19 | geologic report under this section must adequately identify the |
20 | proposed courses of action and their sequence, to be taken |
21 | during and after construction to eliminate or reduce the |
22 | occurrence of a hazardous condition as a result of the proposed |
23 | earth disturbance activity. |
24 | (c) Fees.--A person submitting a geologic report under this |
25 | section shall be responsible for all fees involving the |
26 | preparation and review of the report. |
27 | (d) Review.--The department, its delegated designee or a |
28 | municipality may have a geologic report submitted under this |
29 | section reviewed by a licensed professional independent from the |
30 | preparer and sealer of the submitted report. |
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1 | (e) Scope.--This section shall not apply to a municipality |
2 | engaging in road construction and maintenance activities. |
3 | § 7513. Duties of department. |
4 | (a) Approval.--The department may authorize earth |
5 | disturbance activity in a geologically hazardous area in |
6 | accordance with applicable laws and regulations if the |
7 | department determines that the geologic report under section |
8 | 7512 (relating to geologic reports) adequately identifies the |
9 | proposed courses of action to be taken during and after |
10 | construction to eliminate or reduce the occurrence of a |
11 | hazardous condition as a result of the proposed earth |
12 | disturbance activity. |
13 | (b) Disapproval.--The department may refuse to authorize |
14 | earth disturbance activity in a geologically hazardous area if |
15 | the geologic report under section 7512 fails to adequately |
16 | identify proposed courses of action to be taken during and after |
17 | construction to eliminate or reduce the occurrence of a |
18 | hazardous condition as a result of the proposed earth |
19 | disturbance activity. |
20 | (c) Delegation of permit review.--The department may |
21 | delegate its permit review, enforcement and inspection authority |
22 | under this chapter to a county conservation district. |
23 | (d) Duties.--In issuing orders or permits, and in taking any |
24 | other action under this chapter, the department shall: |
25 | (1) Review and take appropriate action on all permit |
26 | applications submitted under this chapter and issue, modify, |
27 | suspend, limit, renew or revoke permits under this chapter |
28 | and departmental regulations. |
29 | (2) Receive and act upon written complaints. |
30 | (3) Issue orders necessary to implement this chapter or |
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1 | departmental regulations. |
2 | (e) Regulations.--The Environmental Quality Board may |
3 | promulgate regulations necessary to implement this chapter. |
4 | § 7514. Inspections. |
5 | (a) Condition.--Approval of earth disturbance activity |
6 | within a geologically hazardous area may be conditioned upon the |
7 | granting of permission for an agent or employee of a |
8 | municipality or the department to: |
9 | (1) Enter a property to survey a geologically hazardous |
10 | area or ascertain the location of a structure. |
11 | (2) Enter a property or structure to ascertain |
12 | compliance or noncompliance with this chapter, municipal and |
13 | Commonwealth law, regulation, approval, conditional approval |
14 | or order. |
15 | (b) Inspection warrant.--If an agent or employee of a |
16 | municipality or the department charged with the enforcement of |
17 | the provisions of this chapter has been improperly refused |
18 | access to the property to survey or inspect as authorized by |
19 | subsection (a) or reasonably requires access to the property |
20 | without prior notice to the owner, the agent or employee of the |
21 | municipality or the department may apply for an inspection |
22 | warrant to any Commonwealth official authorized by law to issue |
23 | a search or inspection warrant to permit the agent or employee |
24 | of the municipality or the department to access and inspect the |
25 | property. In determining whether to issue an inspection warrant, |
26 | sufficient probable cause is that the inspection is necessary to |
27 | properly enforce the provisions of this chapter. |
28 | (c) Grounds.--The department shall promptly inspect earth |
29 | disturbance activity within a geologically hazardous area when |
30 | the municipality presents information to the department that |
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1 | gives the department probable cause to believe that there is a |
2 | violation of this chapter, including a violation of regulation, |
3 | approval, conditional approval or order issued under this |
4 | chapter. The department shall notify the municipality of this |
5 | inspection and allow a municipal inspector from the municipality |
6 | to accompany the departmental inspector during the inspection. |
7 | If the department determines that there is insufficient |
8 | information to give the department probable cause to believe |
9 | that a violation is occurring or has occurred, the department |
10 | shall promptly provide a written explanation to the municipality |
11 | of its decision not to inspect. |
12 | § 7515. Liability. |
13 | (a) General rule.--Approval, conditional approval or |
14 | issuance of a permit under this chapter does not: |
15 | (1) relieve a person from liability for damage to |
16 | persons or property resulting from the issuance or |
17 | compliance, or as otherwise imposed by law; or |
18 | (2) impose any liability for damages to persons or |
19 | property on the municipality or Commonwealth or its officers, |
20 | employees or agents. |
21 | (b) Costs.--Any person conducting earth disturbance activity |
22 | in violation of this chapter or a regulation or order under this |
23 | chapter is liable for the costs of abatement of any pollution |
24 | and any public nuisance caused by the violation. |
25 | § 7516. Conditioned approval by municipality. |
26 | A municipality may not finally approve a proposal involving |
27 | earth disturbance activity under this chapter unless and until |
28 | the department approves the earth disturbance activity, but a |
29 | municipality may conditionally approve a proposal involving |
30 | earth disturbance activity under this chapter, subject to |
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1 | approval or conditional approval by the department. |
2 | § 7517. Scope. | <-- |
3 | This chapter shall not apply to any person or legal entity |
4 | that is regulated by the act of December 19, 1984 (P.L.1093, |
5 | No.219), known as the Noncoal Surface Mining Conservation and |
6 | Reclamation Act, the act of May 31, 1945 (P.L.1198, No.418), |
7 | known as the Surface Mining Conservation and Reclamation Act, |
8 | the act of April 27, 1966 (1st Sp.Sess., P.L.31, No.1), known as |
9 | The Bituminous Mine Subsidence and Land Conservation Act, or the |
10 | act of September 24, 1968 (P.L.1040, No.318), known as the Coal |
11 | Refuse Disposal Control Act. |
12 | SUBCHAPTER C |
13 | ENFORCEMENT AND REMEDIES |
14 | Sec. |
15 | 7521. Enforcement and remedies. |
16 | § 7521. Enforcement and remedies. |
17 | (a) Unlawful conduct.--It is unlawful to: |
18 | (1) Fail to comply with any departmental rule, |
19 | regulation, order, permit or license. |
20 | (2) Violate this chapter or any rule or regulation |
21 | adopted under this chapter. |
22 | (3) Hinder, obstruct, prevent or interfere with the |
23 | department, its personnel or any delegated designee in the |
24 | performance of any duty under this chapter. |
25 | (b) Remedies and enforcement under The Clean Streams Law.-- |
26 | Except as provided in subsection (c), for purposes of |
27 | enforcement of this chapter and remedies under this chapter, the |
28 | act of June 22, 1937 (P.L.1987, No.394), known as The Clean |
29 | Streams Law, shall govern. |
30 | (c) Scope.--Nothing in subsection (b) is intended to broaden |
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1 | the scope of persons that must comply with the provisions of |
2 | this chapter. |
3 | (d) Construction.--An offense that constitutes a violation |
4 | of this chapter and The Clean Streams Law shall not result in |
5 | dual penalties. |
6 | SUBCHAPTER D |
7 | MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS |
8 | Sec. |
9 | 7531. Administration. |
10 | 7532. Effect on other law. |
11 | § 7531. Administration. |
12 | The General Assembly shall appropriate the funds necessary to |
13 | implement this chapter. |
14 | § 7532. Effect on other law. |
15 | Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed to |
16 | create additional review powers already regulated by other law. |
17 | Section 3. The addition of 53 Pa.C.S. Ch. 71 is a |
18 | continuation of 53 Pa.C.S. Ch. 23 Subch. B. The provisions of |
19 | this act shall not affect any act done, liability incurred, |
20 | right accrued or vested or any suit or prosecution pending or to |
21 | be instituted under the authority of 53 Pa.C.S. Ch. 23 Subch. B. |
22 | Section 4. This act shall take effect immediately. |
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