HB 5897 Summary

• Establishes permit processing deadlines requiring the department to approve or deny applications by a specified deadline, with limited extensions up to 1 year maximum, and imposes penalties (15% of application/periodic fees) if deadlines are missed.

• Requires written permit denials to document that decisions are based on specific statutory provisions, sufficient facts recorded in file, and reliable scientific principles applied reliably to facts.

• Expands permit exemptions for wetland activities including maintenance of agricultural drains under 160 acres with specific conditions, and maintenance of certain legally-established drains constructed before January 1, 1973.

• Modifies permit fees for wetland and coastal activities, establishing categories (general permit $50, minor project $100, major project $2,000) through October 1, 2015, with higher fees ($500-$2,000) for violations.

• Authorizes department to impose compensatory wetland mitigation conditions allowing multiple methods including wetland mitigation banks, restoration of existing wetlands, creation of new wetlands, and preservation of exceptional wetlands.