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Bill > S1232
NJ S1232
NJ S1232Requires DEP to evaluate cumulative impact of stormwater when reviewing applications associated with warehouse and other high-density development projects.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 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 or approvals related to the construction of warehouses or other high-density developments, which are defined as projects built at a greater intensity than currently allowed in an area. The DEP must consider how stormwater from these developments will affect 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 impact adjacent properties, preserve the health of stream channels for both wildlife and drainage, and prevent, as much as possible, an increase in nonpoint pollution, which is pollution that comes from diffuse sources like agricultural or urban runoff, within the watershed. This measure is intended to address concerns about the significant regional environmental and land use impacts that can arise 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 01/13/2026)
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/2026/S1232 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S1500/1232_I1.HTM |
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