DE SB233

Establishes a new State-level nontidal (freshwater) wetlands protection program under Chapter 66 of Title 7, complementing the existing tidal wetlands program.

Requires permits from the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control for most activities in nontidal wetlands, with exemptions for established farming operations, mosquito control, and other specified activities.

Defines nontidal wetlands based on hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and wetland hydrology characteristics, using the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (1987) as the standard for identification.

Imposes penalties ranging from $50 to $10,000 in fines for violations, plus potential civil penalties of $1,000 to $10,000 per day and liability for restoration costs of affected wetlands.

Requires the Department to inventory and map all State wetlands, with wetlands designations conclusive upon adoption subject to public appeal procedures and corrections based on on-site evaluations.