Connecticut House Bill HB05127

Connecticut 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/12
• Refer: 2/16/12

Caption

An Act Defining The High Tide Line For The Tidal, Coastal And Navigable Waters Of The State.

Impact

The enactment of HB 05127 is expected to significantly impact state laws regarding coastal management and environmental protection. It will standardize the definitions and allowable practices in tidal and navigable waters, which may prevent inconsistencies in how regulations are applied across different municipalities. The bill stipulates that DEEP must consider factors such as indigenous wildlife, shore erosion, and pollution control when making regulatory decisions, indicating a broader commitment to both environmental integrity and recreational use of public waters.

Summary

House Bill 05127 aims to define the high tide line for the tidal, coastal, and navigable waters of the state, providing clarity for the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) in regulating activities such as dredging, construction, and filling within these areas. The bill focuses on establishing standardized elevations for the high tide line across all municipalities adjacent to relevant bodies of water, referencing data from the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration to ensure accuracy. By setting these standards, the bill endeavors to enhance the regulatory environment and facilitate better management of coastal resources.

Contention

While the intent of HB 05127 is to streamline regulations for the protection of coastal areas, some stakeholders may view this as insufficiently addressing specific local needs or environmental concerns. For instance, critics may argue that a standardized elevation does not account for unique geographical or ecological conditions that vary from one municipality to another. Moreover, the reliance on federal data for coastal management may raise questions about the responsiveness of state regulations to local issues, potentially leading to disputes over land use and environmental stewardship in diverse communities.