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Bill > A3910
NJ A3910
NJ A3910Requires DEP to consider potential impacts to natural resources when classifying dams according to hazard potential.
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 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 include potential impacts to natural resources, such as wildlife, fish, aquatic life, habitat, plants, and historic or archeological resources, when classifying dams based on their hazard potential. Currently, the DEP's classification system primarily considers the potential for loss of human life and property damage in the event of a dam failure, categorizing dams from Class I (probable loss of life or extensive property damage) to Class 4 (negligible hazard potential). The proposed changes mandate that the DEP's classification system, established through rules following the "Administrative Procedure Act," must now explicitly account for environmental damage in addition to the existing considerations of human safety and property.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (4)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Environment and Solid Waste 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/A3910 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A4000/3910_I1.HTM |
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