Bill > S726

Introduced Session

The Lake Hopatcong Commission has been charged with, among other things, managing and protecting the natural, scenic, and recreational resources of Lake Hopatcong and its watershed. This bill would grant the commission the authority necessary to carry out its duties. Specifically, the bill would remove the Commissioners of Community Affairs and Environmental Protection as members of the commission and would replace them with two additional members of the public to be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. Each member of the public would serve a term of two years until a successor is appointed and qualified. The bill also expressly adds to the commission's duties and responsibilities the coordination with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) on any plan or program affecting the water quantity of Lake Hopatcong. The bill also requires DEP to provide the commission with notice of any permit application pending before or received by any division of DEP for any activity that may impact on Lake Hopatcong or its watershed. Under the bill, the DEP is required to develop a water level management plan to establish the objectives and uses of the waters of Lake Hopatcong, including downstream uses within the Musconetcong River system. The plan would also provide guidelines on any drawdowns, lakeshore construction and gate manipulation for the lake. Additionally, the plan must be submitted for approval by an affirmative vote of the majority of the full membership of the commission before the DEP may adopt or revise the plan. Finally, the DEP is required to submit to the commission any proposed action that would cause the water level of Lake Hopatcong to fall below a level of 8.5 feet as measured on the Lake gauge for approval by an affirmative vote of the majority of the full membership of the commission.

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Tony Bucco (R)*, 

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee (on 01/14/2020)