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Bill > S1074


NJ S1074

NJ S1074
Requires DEP to evaluate cumulative impact of stormwater when reviewing applications associated with warehouse and other high-density development projects.


summary

Introduced
01/09/2024
In Committee
01/09/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

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

This bill requires the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to assess the combined effects of stormwater runoff when reviewing applications for permits related to the construction of warehouses or other high-density developments, which are defined as projects built at a greater intensity than currently allowed. The DEP must consider how stormwater from these developments will impact not only the immediate municipality but also neighboring towns and the entire watershed, which is the area of land where all water drains to a common point. Furthermore, the bill mandates that stormwater management practices must, at a minimum, encourage groundwater recharge where feasible, reduce runoff that could affect adjacent properties, preserve stream channels for both biological health and drainage, and prevent, as much as possible, an increase in nonpoint pollution, which is pollution that comes from diffuse sources like runoff, within the watershed. This measure is intended to address the significant regional negative impacts that have sometimes resulted from such large-scale developments.

Committee Categories

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee (on 01/09/2024)

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