Bill > A5672

This bill establishes an Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program within the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to protect New Jersey citizens from the hazards of abandoned mines, such as potential ground subsidence and water quality issues. The program will require the DEP to develop a comprehensive statewide reclamation plan that includes mapping all abandoned mines, identifying mineshafts posing the greatest risks to human life and infrastructure, and creating a prioritized list of reclamation projects with cost estimates. The DEP can implement these projects directly, contract with private construction firms, or provide grants to local governments or private landowners. A special nonlapsing fund will be created to support the program, which can receive federal grants, legislative appropriations, donations, and investment earnings. The department will establish a grant program with specific eligibility criteria, application procedures, and evaluation guidelines. Importantly, the bill ensures that landowners will not be required to expend their own funds for mine reclamation efforts, and the DEP will attempt to obtain property owner permissions before conducting reclamation work. The program aims to safely address dangerous mineshafts and mine voids throughout the state while minimizing disruption to property owners.