HB597: Dam safety; penalties.

Chief Patron

Del. Beverly Sherwood (R-29)

Beverly Sherwood (R-29)
Winchester, VA
Served: 1994–

Progress

	Introduced
	Passed Committee
	Passed House
	Passed Senate
	Signed by Governor
	Became Law

Status

03/02/2006: signed by governor

View Entire History

Summary

Dam safety; penalties.  Provides the Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Board and the Department of Conservation with the enforcement tools needed to ensure the safety of Virginia's dams, and includes due process procedures to protect dam owners. The Department is given the authority to monitor and inspect any alteration or construction of the dam. The bill imposes a Class 3 misdemeanor penalty on an owner who knowingly (i) operates, constructs, or alters a dam without the approval of the Department, or (ii) obstructs, hinders, or prevents the Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Board, or its agents from performing their dam safety duties. The Board also has the option of imposing civil penalties, not to exceed $25,000, for violations of the Dam Safety Act. The moneys collected from the imposition of civil penalties will be deposited in the Flood Prevention and Protection Assistance Fund.   View Full Text »