Bill > S252

This bill requires the owner or operator of a "high hazard train"—defined as a train carrying 200,000 gallons or more of petroleum or petroleum products, or 20,000 gallons or more of other hazardous substances—to submit a comprehensive discharge response, cleanup, and contingency plan to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). This plan must detail emergency response measures, available equipment, contact information for emergency coordinators, and priorities for protecting sensitive areas. The plan needs to be renewed every five years and updated within 30 days of any modifications to the train, its facilities, or its route. Owners and operators must also maintain evidence of financial responsibility for cleanup costs and provide training to local emergency services personnel along their routes. In the event of a discharge, specific timeframes are established for deploying response coordinators, personnel, and equipment to contain the spill and protect the environment and water sources. The bill also mandates that the DEP annually request bridge inspection reports from the U.S. Department of Transportation (US DOT) for railroad-owned bridges and submit these reports to the Governor and Legislature, aiming to enhance oversight of rail infrastructure safety.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S252