6111.025 Wetland mitigation banks. - Ohio Statutes

6111.025 Wetland mitigation banks.

(A) The director of natural resources in consultation with the director of environmental protection shall establish a list of approved wetland mitigation banks that shall be used by applicants for state isolated wetland permits for mitigation purposes and shall submit the list to the director of environmental protection. In establishing the list, the director of natural resources shall give preference to wetland mitigation banks that are comprised of areas involving the restoration of previously existing wetlands. The list established under this division shall not exclude state or local agencies from developing wetland mitigation banks.

(B) The department of natural resources, the division of wildlife in that department, or any other division in that department that is designated by the director of natural resources may establish and operate a wetland mitigation bank for purposes of sections 6111.02 to 6111.027 of the Revised Code. A mitigation bank so established may be used by any individual or entity, including any agency or department of the state, for mitigation purposes under those sections.

(C) The director of environmental protection annually shall issue a report to the members of the general assembly on the total number of acres of isolated wetlands that were subject to filling during the immediately preceding year as well as the total number of acres of isolated wetlands that were restored, created, enhanced, or preserved through mitigation that same year as a result of state isolated wetland permits issued under sections 6111.02 to 6111.027 of the Revised Code.

Effective Date: 07-17-2001