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Show PENNSYLVANIA 639 If the application is approved and a permit issued, the applicant must complete its works and put the water to the proposed use within 1 year, or the department may revoke the permit. However, the de- partment has discretion to grant an extension of time if it finds there is good cause for doing so.4 Established uses prior to the effec- tive date of the act are preserved, but agencies claiming such rights must file appropriate notices of such use with the department and must maintain appropriate records.5 Any applicant or person directly and adversely affected by any decision of the department is, upon timely application, entitled to a public hearing.6 A permit bestows no right of water use, but merely authorizes the applicant agency to acquire the water rights needed through pur- chase, lease, gift, waiver or settlement of damages, or eminent do- main. Any public water supply agency incorporated within the State which has a permit from the department has the power of eminent domain to acquire water rights needed for the use approved by the permit, although the right of eminent domain does not extend to private springs or private water supplies.7 It is also necessary to obtain a permit from the department before constructing a dam for any purpose or otherwise obstructing any stream or body of water where the current, course, or cross-section is changed or diminished by the diversion.8 A separate limited power permit must be obtained for any structure or change in a stream used for power generation. Every power permit granted by the depart- ment is limited to a period of 50 years, but may be renewed or ex- tended. Permits may be issued subject to any conditions the depart- ment deems necessary for the protection of the interests of the State.9 b. WATER QUALITY CONTROL The department of environmental resources was also charged with administration of the Pennsylvania Clean Streams Act, a function which prior to 1971 had been assigned to the department of health and its sanitary water board. The act recites that unpolluted streams are essential if Pennsylvania is to attract new industry, develop its share of the tourist industry, and have adequate outdoor recreational facilities, and that the prevention and abatement of water pollution is directly related to the economic future of the State. The objective of the Clean Streams Act is not only to prevent further pollution but also to reclaim and restore every stream in the State to a clean and unpolluted condition.10 The department is authorized to formulate and adopt regulations and to issue orders as necessary to implement the provisions of the Clean Streams Act; to establish policies for effective water control management; to develop and implement comprehensive water quality control plans;X1 and, in general, to direct the State's water quality *32 P.S., sec. 638. S32 P.S., sec. 633. « 32 P.S., sec. 640. ?32 P.S., sec. 639. s 32 P.S., sec. 594. 9 32 P.S., sec. 592. i°35 P.S., sec. 691.4. "35 P.S., sec. 691.5 (b). |