Bill > H3228

This bill proposes to amend existing Massachusetts General Laws, specifically Chapter 131A, Section 5, to create an exemption for certain salt marsh restoration projects from standard permit approval requirements. The key provision allows for the restoration of salt marshes by the commonwealth or a municipality, achieved by removing obstacles that hinder natural tidal flow, to be exempt from these permits. This exemption is contingent upon approval by the director and requires that the newly created opening for tidal flow be sized to accommodate 150% of the number of acres of salt marsh being restored, measured by its effective cross-sectional area in square feet. Furthermore, before any site work begins, a notice detailing the project and its compliance with these requirements must be filed with the department and the local municipal conservation commission at least thirty days in advance.