SF 491 (LSB 2596XS (4) 88)

SENATE FILE 491

BY  HOGG

A BILL FOR

An Act requiring the water resources coordinating council to make recommendations for a pilot project for universal riparian buffers.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  WATER RESOURCES COORDINATING COUNCIL —— PILOT PROJECT TO INSTALL RIPARIAN BUFFERS.
   1.  The water resources coordinating council established pursuant to section 466B.3 shall make recommendations for the implementation of a pilot project involving the installation of riparian buffers consisting of perennial vegetation adjacent to waters of the state to be located within a subwatershed that is part of a regional watershed as defined in section 466B.2 and that is on a list of targeted subwatersheds or regional watersheds prepared by the department of natural resources.
   2.  The pilot project shall do all of the following:
   a.  Protect state water resources from erosion and runoff pollution.
   b.  Stabilize soils, shores, and banks.
   c.  Protect or provide riparian corridors.
   d.  Achieve adoption of buffers by all landowners owing shoreland in the watershed.
   3.  In preparing the recommendations, the council shall consider methods to best implement a pilot project, including but not limited to planning, mapping, providing technical and financial assistance, alternative practices, tracking progress towards compliance, enforcement, other governance issues, and maintenance.
   4.  In preparing the recommendations, the council shall consult with commissioners of soil and water conservation districts, local water management authorities, interested state agencies and private organizations, and landowners.
   5.  The council shall prepare and submit a report to the governor and general assembly not later than January 13, 2020. The report shall include recommendations for action by the general assembly, including proposed legislation to establish the pilot project for consideration by the general assembly during the 2020 legislative session.
EXPLANATION
The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with

the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly.
   This bill requires the water resources coordinating council to make recommendations for a pilot project involving the installation of riparian buffers consisting of perennial vegetation adjacent to waters of the state. The pilot project is to establish water quality practices, protect state water resources, stabilize soil, protect riparian corridors, and provide for buffers along shorelines. The council is required to prepare and submit a report to the governor and general assembly not later than January 13, 2020.