§ 105.20a. Wetland replacement criteria.
(a) Wetlands replacement must meet the following general criteria:
(1) Area ratio. The wetland shall be replaced at a minimum area ratio of replacement acres to affected acres of 1:1. The Department may require the area ratio to exceed 1:1 based on a determination of the area affected and the functions and values which will be destroyed or adversely affected by the project. For structures or activities constructed without a permit, and for which mitigation, as defined in § 105.1 (relating to definitions), cannot be achieved, the wetland shall be replaced at a minimum area ratio of 2:1 (replacement acres: affected acres). The Department may require the area ratio to exceed 2:1 based on a determination of the area affected and the functions and values which were destroyed or adversely affected by the project.
(2) Function and value replacement. Functions and values that are physically and biologically the same as those that are lost shall be replaced at a minimum ratio of 1:1. The Department may require the functions and values ratio to exceed 1:1 based on the area affected and on the functions and values which will be destroyed as adversely affected by the project and the replacement ratio. For structures or activities constructed without a permit, and for which mitigation, as defined in § 105.1, cannot be achieved, the wetland shall be replaced at a minimum area ratio of 2:1. The Department may require the area ratio to exceed 2:1 based on a determination of the area affected and the functions and values which were destroyed or adversely affected by the project.
(3) Siting criteria. Replacement shall be located adjacent to the impacted wetland unless an alternative replacement site is approved by the Department. Alternative replacement sites will generally not be approved unless the replacement site is located within the same watershed as the wetland being replaced or within the designated boundaries of the coastal zone management area where the loss occurs.
(b) In addition to the general criteria in subsection (a), the Department will use its guidelines entitled ‘‘Design Criteria for Wetlands Replacement’’ in making decisions under this section. These guidelines provide for design, flexibility and utilization of best available technology in environmental engineering. These guidelines are available from the Division of Rivers and Wetlands Conservation, Post Office Box 8761, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17105-8761.
Authority The provisions of this § 105.20a issued under the Dam Safety and Encroachments Act (32 P. S. § § 693.1–693.27); The Clean Streams Law (35 P. S. § § 691.1—691.1001); section 7 of the act of June 14, 1923 (P. L. 704, No. 294) (32 P. S. § 597); sections 514, 1901-A, 1908-A, 1917-A and 1920-A of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § § 194, 510-1, 510-8, 510-17 and 510-20); and the Flood Plain Management Act (32 P. S. § § 679.101—679.601).
Source The provisions of this § 105.20a adopted October 11, 1991, effective October 12, 1991, 21 Pa.B. 4911.
Cross References This section cited in 25 Pa. Code § 96.3 (relating to water quality protection requirements); 25 Pa. Code § 105.18a (relating to permitting of structures and activities in wetlands); and 25 Pa. Code § 105.21 (relating to criteria for permit issuance and denial).
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