Environment (Coastal & Flood Protection)

SB 404 allows Pennsylvania county conservation districts to obtain special permission from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to issue emergency permits for stream reconstruction after floods. It directly affects counties (through their conservation districts) and communities impacted by flood damage by enabling faster restoration of natural waterways. The bill creates a process where counties must first get DEP approval for their stream reconstruction plans based on scientific standards, then use those approved plans to issue emergency permits for specific flood-related repairs. The DEP retains authority for other emergency waterway permits and maintains oversight through review and appeal processes. This change aims to speed up recovery efforts while ensuring projects meet environmental standards.