VT S0216

Secretary of Natural Resources must adopt by rule a general permit for ecological restoration projects (dam removal, culvert replacement, berm removal, floodplain restoration) by December 1, 2026, with objectives of increasing flood resilience, improving water quality, and increasing biodiversity

General permit would consolidate multiple existing permit requirements including stream alteration permits, dam safety orders, wetlands permits, rare species reviews, Clean Water Act Section 401 certifications, stormwater permits, and shoreland protection permits

Dam Safety Program must examine environmental review process for dam repair/rehabilitation orders in coordination with stakeholders (engineers, municipalities, utilities, restoration practitioners) and consider additional factors before granting repair orders

Examination must include alternatives analysis for dam breaching or removal, specific criteria for fish and wildlife impacts, and weigh ecological restoration alongside public safety, recreation, and water quality standards

Department of Environmental Conservation must report recommended changes to dam safety environmental review process to House Committee on Environment and Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Energy by December 1, 2027; effective date July 1, 2026