Susquehanna River Basin Commission Revises Enforcement, Penalty Policies

On September 20, the Susquehanna River Basin Commission announced it has finalized the Policy and Guidance Statement for the Settlement of Civil Penalties/Enforcement Actions and the SRBC Civil Penalty Matrix. 

The documents were approved by Commissioners at a quarterly business meeting held in Baltimore on September 15.

The SRBC has authority to issue orders, investigate possible infractions, assess penalties and enter into settlement agreements related to regulated water withdrawals and consumptive use. The updated policy and matrix are designed to make this process more transparent.

The guidelines also now reflect the Commission’s commitment to environmental justice areas and communities, ensuring that those communities are provided additional protection from any environmental harm. 

Impacts to environmental justice areas and communities will be considered as relevant and important factors in assessing alleged violations.

The Commission strives to engage in a process that generates penalty terms and financial settlement amounts that fairly reflect the scope of the violation committed, deter future violations, mitigate any adverse environmental impacts and educate both the violator and the public.

It has been more than 20 years since either policy was updated. Public comment and oral testimony were accepted prior to the adoptions. 

An informational webinar was held on July 28th. The policy and matrix are available in the Commission’s Public Reference Manual.

For more information on programs, training opportunities and upcoming events, visit the Susquehanna River Basin Commission website.  Click Here to sign up for SRBC’s newsletter.   Follow SRBC on Twitter, visit them on YouTube.

[Posted: September 20, 2022]  PA Environment Digest