It is declared that much of the wetlands of this state has been lost or despoiled by unregulated dredging, dumping, filling and like activities and that the remaining wetlands of this state are all in jeopardy of being lost or despoiled by these and other activities, that such loss or despoliation will adversely affect, if not entirely eliminate, the value of such wetlands as sources of nutrients to finfish, crustacea and shellfish of significant economic value; that such loss or despoliation will destroy such wetlands as habitats for plants and animals of significant economic value and will eliminate or substantially reduce marine commerce, recreation and aesthetic enjoyment; and that such loss or despoliation will, in most cases, disturb the natural ability of tidal wetlands to reduce flood damage and adversely affect the public health and welfare; that such loss or despoliation will substantially reduce the capacity of such wetlands to absorb silt and will thus result in the increased silting of channels and harbor areas to the detriment of free navigation. Therefore, it is declared to be the public policy of this state to preserve the wetlands and to prevent the despoliation and destruction thereof.
(1969, P.A. 695, S. 2.)
History: Sec. 22-7h transferred to Sec. 22a-28 in 1972.
See Sec. 26-17a re acquisition and preservation of tidal wetlands.
Annotation to former section 22-7h:
Cited. 161 C. 24.
Annotations to present section:
Cited. 168 C. 349; 180 C. 521; 183 C. 532; 209 C. 544.
Cited. 32 CS 104; 43 CS 386.
Structure Connecticut General Statutes
Title 22a - Environmental Protection
Chapter 440 - Wetlands and Watercourses
Section 22a-28. (Formerly Sec. 22-7h). - Preservation of tidal wetlands. Declaration of policy.
Section 22a-29. (Formerly Sec. 22-7i). - Definitions.
Section 22a-31. (Formerly Sec. 22-7k). - Hearing officers.
Section 22a-33. (Formerly Sec. 22-7m). - Issuance or denial of permit.
Section 22a-34. (Formerly Sec. 22-7n). - Appeal.
Section 22a-35. (Formerly Sec. 22-7o). - Penalty.
Section 22a-35a. - Tidal wetlands restoration.
Section 22a-36. - Inland wetlands and watercourses. Legislative finding.
Section 22a-37. - Short title: Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Act.
Section 22a-38. - Definitions.
Section 22a-39. - Duties of commissioner.
Section 22a-40. - Permitted operations and uses.
Section 22a-42. - Municipal regulation of wetlands and watercourses. Action by commissioner.
Section 22a-42d. - Revocation of authority to regulate inland wetlands.
Section 22a-42g. - Municipal fine for violation of wetlands regulations.
Section 22a-44. - Penalty. Court orders.
Section 22a-45. - Property revaluation.
Section 22a-45a. - General permits for minor activities. Regulations.