Bill > S4186

Introduced Session

This bill would require the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to evaluate the cumulative impact of stormwater when reviewing applications for permits, authorizations, or other approvals for applications that, if approved, would result in the construction of a warehouse or other high-density development project. The DEP would be required to consider the stormwater impacts that would result from the development on property located within the municipality in which the development would be located, any adjoining municipalities, and the watershed in which the property is located. The DEP would also be required to ensure that stormwater be managed to, at a minimum: (a) induce water recharge into the ground where practical; (b) minimize offsite stormwater runoff in order to not impact property located in an adjacent municipality; (c) maintain the integrity of stream channels for their biological functions, as well as for drainage; and (d) prevent, to the greatest extent feasible, an increase in nonpoint pollution in the watershed in which the proposed development would occur. The development of warehouses, and other high-density development, often results in environmental, land use, traffic, economic, fiscal, and social equity effects in municipalities adjacent to the one in which the development is located. The construction of such development facilities has, at times, resulted in significant negative regional impacts. This bill is intended to ensure that any stormwater resulting from intense development is carefully scrutinized, not only for its impacts on the municipality in which the development is located, but also adjoining municipalities and the watershed as a whole.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Linda Greenstein (D)*, 

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee (on 12/04/2023)

Official Document