Bill Text - SB19 (2011)

Relative to the definition of "prime wetlands."


Revision: Jan. 5, 2011, midnight

SB 19 – AS INTRODUCED

2011 SESSION

11-0955

06/10

SENATE BILL 19

AN ACT relative to the definition of “prime wetlands.”

SPONSORS: Sen. Odell, Dist 8; Sen. Rausch, Dist 19

COMMITTEE: Energy and Natural Resources

ANALYSIS

This bill modifies the definition of “prime wetlands.”

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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.

Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]

Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

11-0955

06/10

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Eleven

AN ACT relative to the definition of “prime wetlands.”

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

1 Local Option; Prime Wetlands. Amend RSA 482-A:15, I to read as follows:

I. Any municipality, by its conservation commission, or, in the absence of a conservation commission, the planning board, or, in the absence of a planning board, the local governing body, may undertake to designate, map, and document prime wetlands lying within its boundaries, or if such areas lie only partly within its boundaries, then that portion lying within its boundaries. For the purposes of this chapter, “prime wetlands” shall mean any areas of 5 acres or more falling within the jurisdictional definitions of RSA 482-A:3 and RSA 482-A:4 that possess one or more of the values set forth in RSA 482-A:1 and that, because of their size, very poorly drained soils, unspoiled character, fragile condition, or other relevant factors, make them of substantial significance. The commissioner shall adopt rules under RSA 541-A relative to the form, criteria, and methods that shall be used to designate, map, and document prime wetlands, determine boundaries in the field, and amend maps and designations once filed and accepted by the department under paragraph II.

2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.