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Bill > S1601


NJ S1601

Requires DEP to consider potential impacts to natural resources when classifying dams according to hazard potential.


summary

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

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill would amend the "Safe Dam Act," P.L.1981, c.249 (C.58:4-8.1 et seq.) to require that any classification system for the hazard potential of dams adopted by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) take into potential loss of life, property damage, and impacts to natural resources. Under current law, the DEP has adopted a classification system, which classifies dams as either: (1) Class I - loss of life or extensive property damage is probable upon dam failure; (2) Class 2 - likely significant damage to property and project operation upon dam failure, but loss of human life is not envisioned; (3) Class 3 - dam failure would cause loss of the dam itself but little or no additional damage to other property; or (4) Class 4 - for small dams that pose a negligible hazard potential. The bill would require the DEP to consider potential damage to natural resources when classifying dams, in addition to potential loss of human life and destruction of property.

AI Summary

This bill would amend the "Safe Dam Act" to require the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to consider potential impacts to natural resources, in addition to loss of life and property damage, when classifying the hazard potential of dams. Under the current law, the DEP has a classification system that categorizes dams based on the likelihood of loss of life and property damage upon dam failure. This bill would expand the classification criteria to include potential impacts to natural resources such as wildlife, fish, aquatic life, habitat, plants, and historic or archaeological resources.

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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