Causer's Stream Obstruction Removal Bill Clears House Committee

HARRISBURG – The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee today approved legislation authored by Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) to streamline the process for removing potential flood hazards from streams.
“The process for removing obstructions such as gravel bars from our streams is not only inefficient and cumbersome but also a threat to public safety,” Causer said. “The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has been unable to offer a solution to the problem, and we simply cannot wait any longer.”

House Bill 2359 aims to create a clear, efficient and effective process to better manage stream obstruction problems without an unnecessary, complicated and expensive permitting process. The bill also includes measures to further expedite stream clearings when such activities are deemed to be an emergency by local, county or state authorities.

“In Emporium, Cameron County, borough officials have been trying to remove a gravel bar for more than five years but have been unable to get the go ahead from DEP to do so,” Causer said. “And they aren’t the only ones. There are other communities in our area and across the state that have experienced similar roadblocks. It’s just ridiculous.”

Causer and other lawmakers in rural areas of the state questioned DEP Secretary Michael Krancer extensively about the issue of gravel bars during House Appropriations Committee hearings earlier this year, and the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee held an informational meeting on the topic as well.

The bill passed the committee by a vote of 21-2. It now goes to the full House for consideration.