Legislation will soon be introduced by Senator Gene Yaw, of Bradford County, that would authorize Pennsylvania counties to adopt stream-cleaning and maintenance programs to encourage local efforts in removing obstructions and flood-related hazards from local waterways.
Yaw, who chairs the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, said the bill would direct the state Environmental Quality Board to develop regulations permitting the programs under the Dam Safety and Encroachments Act.
He said the programs would give counties greater tools to conduct stream maintenance activities in a timely and environmentally sensitive manner, and assist landowners and regulatory authorities in identifying the scope of maintenance needs and remedial actions.
– Michael Bennett