This bill amends existing legislation regarding the maintenance and regulation of underground storage tanks in New Jersey. It requires the Commissioner of Environmental Protection to establish rules within twelve months that mandate owners or operators of these facilities to designate a responsible party on their registration certificate for compliance with maintenance standards and corrective actions. The bill emphasizes the importance of timely corrective measures, stipulating that if a leak or discharge is identified, the responsible party must take appropriate action within 14 days. Failure to do so will result in treble damages being imposed on the responsible individual.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing provisions related to the handling of leaks or discharges from underground storage tanks. It specifies that if a leak poses an imminent threat to groundwater or public health, immediate actions must be taken to mitigate the situation. The costs incurred for any necessary removal, replacement, or repair of the tanks will be the responsibility of the designated individual rather than the owner. This legislative change aims to enhance accountability and ensure prompt responses to environmental hazards associated with underground storage tanks.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 58:10A-25, 58:10A-28