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| Environmental News |
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| SRBC Proposes Amended Rulemaking |
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In the March 26, 2021 Federal Register, the Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC) is proposing rulemaking that would amend their regulations to update the requirements and standards for review of projects, amend the rules dealing with groundwater withdrawals, and revise the regulatory triggers related to grandfathered sources. Efficiencies, reduced costs and regulatory clarity are the reasons given for this proposed rulemaking.
The proposed revisions also modify the aquifer testing requirements to include an Alternative Hydrogeologic Evaluation (AHE) process for certain new and existing projects and establishes where an aquifer test or AHE evaluation is not required.
As a companion to this rulemaking, the Commission is also releasing three policies related to groundwater reviews to be open for public comment simultaneously with this proposed rulemaking:
SRBC is also proposing revisions to update its regulations dealing with the triggers that lead to the loss of grandfathering, consumptive water use by the natural gas industry, the transfer of projects, as well as general updates to its project review application procedures.
Note that to comply with the SRBC’s priority of pursuing environmental justice initiatives, SRBC staff will conduct outreach on this proposed rulemaking “to maximize public awareness and participation in the rulemaking process by underrepresented communities.” To that end, SRBC will hold two informational webinars on April 6 at 6 pm (registration here) and April 14 at 2 pm (registration here).
Written comments are due May 17, 2021. Should you have questions, contact Josie Gaskey.
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