SCS/SB 1072 - This act revises provisions relating to water permitting for aquaculture. Aquaculture is defined as the controlled propagation, growth, and harvest of aquatic organisms.

Prior to issuing a general permit or permit by rule the Director of the Department of Natural Resources must hold meetings with permit holders, applicants and the public to evaluate pollution impacts of pollutants. After the meetings the Director would draft the permit considering the comments of the meeting and post it for public comment. The Director must also concurrently post an explanation with the draft permit which shall identify types of facilities which are subject to the permit. A hearing may be requested on the draft permit.

After consideration of the comments the final permit would be issued. The time between the request for the hearing and the hearing date will not be calculated for purposed of the time frames in which a permit must be issued.

Unless requested by the facility, aquaculture facilities will not be required to obtain site-specific permits but will obtain general permits. However, facilities which materially violate the conditions and requirements of the general permit may be required to obtain a site-specific permit. The fee for aquaculture facilities is capped at $250.
CINDY KADLEC