Department of Water Resources: dams and reservoirs: fees and penalty plus interest.
The amendments laid out in AB 487 will directly affect regulations concerning the construction, enlargement, maintenance, and removal of dams and reservoirs. With the new provisions, the Department of Water Resources is required to set up a schedule of fees, which could be adjusted to reflect cost-of-living increases and align revenues to expenditures for operating the dam safety program. This shift is expected to help ensure that necessary funding is available for the department to effectively manage dam safety while ensuring that fees remain reasonable, especially for smaller dams.
Assembly Bill No. 487, aimed at amending Section 6307 of the Water Code, focuses on the regulation of dams and reservoirs by the Department of Water Resources in California. Its primary intent is to modify the current regulatory framework governing the supervision of dam safety, including the imposition of fees needed to cover the regulatory costs associated with this oversight. The bill introduces changes to the timeline for penalties and interest on late payments of these fees. Previously, penalties were imposed for fees received after July 1; now, penalties will only apply if fees are received more than 30 days late, thus extending the grace period for dam owners.
The general sentiment regarding AB 487 appears to be pragmatic, reflecting a balanced approach where the needs of the dam owners are considered alongside the critical safety and regulatory obligations of the Department of Water Resources. Supporters likely view this bill as a necessary adjustment to existing law that improves flexibility for dam owners while still ensuring safety regulations are upheld. Alternatively, there may be concerns from some stakeholders about potential loopholes that could arise from the extended penalty timeframe, which could delay compliance and maintenance necessary for public safety.
Notable points of contention surrounding AB 487 include the potential impact of the penalty adjustment on compliance behavior among dam owners. Critics may argue that the extension of the grace period for fees could lead to delayed payments, which, in turn, could affect the overall funding for the dam safety program. Additionally, the amendment includes specific provisions for dams with lower capacities, which might draw scrutiny from environmental groups or those concerned about maintaining robust safety standards for all dam types, regardless of size.