(a) The Department of Environmental Resources shall study, conduct public hearings as provided in section 5(b) of this act,¹ and from time to time submit to the Governor and to the General Assembly proposals for the designation of rivers or sections of rivers as components of the Pennsylvania Scenic Rivers System, as set out in section 4 of this act.² In addition to the public hearings provided for in subsection (b) the Department of Environmental Resources shall conduct prior to undertaking any study an informational public meeting in the county or counties where the study is to be made at which meeting the Department of Environmental Resources shall announce the planned study, explain the techniques to be employed in such study and describe the scope of such study. Notice of the informational public meeting shall be given at least three weeks before in a newspaper of general circulation in the county, or in the case of land located in more than one county, in a newspaper of general circulation in each county. Notice shall also be given three weeks in advance by first class mail to each county, city, borough, incorporated town or township wherein is located land involved in the study. Each proposal shall specify the category of the proposed river segment and shall be accompanied by a detailed report on all the factors involved as well as a transcript of the public hearings conducted.

(b) A public hearing shall be held in the county where the land is situate, at which hearing the department shall set forth the area to be designated and its proposed classification. If the land is located in more than one county such hearing shall be held in every county wherein the land is situate. Notice of the public hearing shall be given at least three weeks before in a newspaper of general circulation in the county, or in the case of land located in more than one county, in a newspaper of general circulation in each county. Notice shall also be given three weeks in advance by certified mail to those owners of the land involved, as shown on county tax assessment records.