By Blake Jackson
A bill to mandate stream buffers in nonfarm areas is facing opposition from Pennsylvania Republicans, who say it would infringe on landowners' rights.
Rep. Joe Webster, the Democrat who sponsored the bill, says it would help reduce flooding near streams. His bill would protect existing riparian buffers at least 100 feet wide on both sides of a stream. Greater widths would apply to high quality streams and areas with steep slopes.
Moreover, a buffer would have to be planted on a property that doesn't have one before a building permit is issued.
Farming activities and existing buildings would be exempt from the mandate.
Rep. Martin Causer, the top Republican on the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, says the proposed requirement is not necessary given the number of voluntary buffer programs available. He also says that mandating stream buffers would be a "significant taking of private property rights."
Stephen Fleming, president of Biltbold Building Co. in Mechanicsburg, also opposes the bill, saying it would be a major burden to homeowners who need to get permits for small projects such as swimming pools or decks.
The committee took no action on the legislation during the hearing.
Categories: Pennsylvania, Government & Policy