Bill
Bill > S4992
summary
Introduced
12/15/2025
12/15/2025
In Committee
12/15/2025
12/15/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill would require owners of underground storage tanks to designate on a facility's registration certificate which party is initially responsible for compliance with maintenance standards and undertaking corrective actions in response to an enforcement action by the department. The bill directs the Commissioner of Environmental Protection to adopt implementing rules and regulations within twelve months of the date of enactment. Specifically, the bill stipulates a 14 day period within which individuals responsible for underground storage tanks are required to take the appropriate corrective action, provided that the noncompliance is determined by the department to be an imminent threat to proximate groundwater resources or public health and safety. All responsible parties that fail to comply with the department's enforcement action within the 14 day period are to be held liable to the department in treble damages.
AI Summary
This bill clarifies and strengthens procedures for maintaining underground storage tanks (USTs) by requiring owners to specifically designate a responsible party for compliance and corrective actions on their facility's registration certificate. The bill directs the Commissioner of Environmental Protection to establish new regulations within twelve months, mandating that the designated responsible party must address any tank-related violations or leaks within 14 days of an inspection. If the responsible party fails to remedy non-minor environmental violations within this 14-day period, they can be held liable for treble (triple) damages to the department. The legislation builds upon existing environmental protection laws governing underground storage tanks, which are typically used for storing hazardous substances like petroleum, and aims to ensure more rapid and accountable responses to potential environmental threats. The bill provides the environmental protection department with enhanced enforcement mechanisms, including the ability to impose financial penalties and potentially institute a delivery ban at a facility that remains non-compliant, with the ultimate goal of protecting groundwater resources and public health by ensuring prompt remediation of tank-related issues.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee (on 12/15/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S4992 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S5000/4992_I1.HTM |
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