WETLAND NEIGHBOR NOTIFICATION

A.2799 (Cusick, et al.)
S.3035 (Lanza)

Summary
This bill would require that nearby landowners in a city with a population of one million or more be notified when an activity is proposed in a tidal wetland that requires a permit under Section 25-0402 of the Environmental Conservation Law (ECL). 

Explanation
Tidal wetlands are important areas for wildlife habitat, shoreline protection, and flood prevention. Along the state’s coastal areas the loss of tidal wetlands has accelerated beach erosion and contributed to the decline of wildlife. All too often nearby landowners have no idea an application to destroy tidal wetlands has been applied for until they see the wetlands are being disturbed or destroyed.

This bill would require that notification be given to nearby landowners whenever an application is filed for a permit under Section 25-0402 of the ECL to disturb an inventoried tidal wetland.  It would also require the DEC to hold a public hearing on such permit application in a city of one million or more, unless no local objection has been made to the application, or the DEC makes a finding that the activity is minor in nature and will not disturb the ecological integrity of the wetland. 

Environmental Advocates of New York supports this bill.