SF992

SF992 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Wetland replacement rations modification

AI Generated Summary

The bill, Senate File No. 992, is designed to amend current laws relating to wetland conservation in Minnesota. The key changes proposed include:

Wetland Replacement Ratios: This bill modifies how wetlands should be replaced if they are drained or filled. Wetlands must be replaced by other areas that offer equal or greater public value, governed by a plan approved locally or by mining reclamation plans.
Priority Guidelines for Replacement: The bill outlines a series of steps that should be prioritized when impacting wetlands. These include avoiding impacts, minimizing impacts, rectifying any impacts by restoring wetlands, and finally, compensating by providing replacement wetlands.
Special Conditions: The bill details specific conditions for wetland replacement:
- For agricultural lands, a 1:1 replacement ratio is specified.
- For non-agricultural lands, a 2:1 replacement ratio is generally applied.
- Projects associated with public transportation that only expand traffic capacity must buy credits for wetland replacement.
Exemptions and Special Cases: It provides numerous specific circumstances where these general rules might be adjusted or where additional requirements are placed, such as requiring local government approval or additional public notification for certain mining-related actions.
Technical and Public Oversight: The bill establishes mechanisms for public and technical oversight on decisions regarding wetland impacts and replacements. This includes a requirement for a Technical Evaluation Panel to review and approve plans based on the wetland’s ecological function.
Enforcement and Local Involvement: Local government units are empowered under the bill to enforce deed restrictions and ensure compliance with the stipulated replacement ratios and standards. Additionally, they can request reclassification of wetlands based on conservation needs.

In summary, S.F. No. 992 aims to refine Minnesota's approach to managing wetland resources, specifying stricter replacement criteria and emphasizing local and technical oversight to balance development needs with environmental conservation.

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
February 05, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading
February 05, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading
February 05, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Referred to	Environment, Climate, and Legacy
February 05, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Referred to	Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "New criteria for wetland replacement ratios based on geographic location and land use type."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Restrictions on using ponds for stormwater management as wetland replacements."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies the replacement requirements for draining or filling wetlands under section 103G.222, subdivision 1.",
      "modified": [
        "Revised principles for guiding wetland replacement projects, emphasizing onsite restoration."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "103G.222",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Provisions allowing for enrollment in a statewide wetlands bank for specific actions."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Previous limits on replacement credit eligibility for water quality treatment ponds."
      ],
      "summary": "Amends the conditions under which wetland restoration, enhancement, or construction is eligible for replacement credits.",
      "modified": [
        "Refined criteria for replacement credit and establishment of different replacement ratios for projects with exceptional natural resource value."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "103G.2242",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 12"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Criteria for classification of wetlands based on public values."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Elimination of certain wetland replacement requirements to streamline conservation efforts."
      ],
      "summary": "Amendments to comprehensive wetland protection and management plans, revising wetland classification and replacement standards.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjustment to the minimum acreage requirements for wetland replacement in different areas based on percentage of presettlement wetlands remaining."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "103G.2243",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Methodologies for assessing wetland functions approved by the board."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Provides methodology for assessing wetland functions as cited in the comprehensive wetland protection and management plan adjustments.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "103B.3355",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]