CT SB00141

Adds "hydric" soil type to the definition of wetlands alongside poorly drained, very poorly drained, alluvial, and floodplain soils as designated by the National Cooperative Soils Survey.

Changes public hearing notice requirement from "at least once not more than thirty days and not fewer than ten days" to "not less than thirty days" before the hearing date for inland wetlands permit applications.

Removes provisions allowing the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection to assume jurisdiction over permit applications when municipalities fail to act within 35 days after public hearing or 65 days from receipt, placing full responsibility on inland wetlands agencies.

Allows inland wetlands agencies to issue permits without public hearings if no petition is filed within 14 days of application receipt and the agency determines no significant impact on wetlands or watercourses.

Permits persons to bring civil actions in superior court against municipalities for failure to perform duties under the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Act and allows appeals when agencies fail to act on applications by required deadlines.

Repeals section 22a-42d of the general statutes and removes provisions allowing the Commissioner to issue enforcement orders for violations occurring in municipalities that failed to enforce wetlands regulations.