§ 85.12. Identification of bluff recession hazards.

 (a)  Under section 4 of the act (32 P. S. §  5204), studies will be conducted when necessary to identify bluff recession hazard areas in this Commonwealth. Studies prepared for these purposes shall do all of the following:

   (1)  Identify the geographic location of the potential hazard area; county, township, and so forth.

   (2)  Define and evaluate the bluff recession hazard in relation to geophysical processes such as recession and erosion related phenomena and examine the causative factors.

   (3)  Review and evaluate existing and potential damage to property and structures caused by progressive bluff recession.

   (4)  Develop a recession rate based on historical evidence.

   (5)  Develop conclusions and recommendations based on the findings of the studies.

 (b)  To prevent the unnecessary expenditure of public funds, the Department will inventory, identify, and evaluate previous studies that may have already been completed. If the studies meet the requirements of this chapter, such studies may be utilized for purposes of section 4 of the act (32 P. S. §  5204).