The bill amends existing legislation to empower the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to conduct reformation assessments of water and wastewater treatment and conveyance systems when emergent conditions are identified. It introduces a new definition of "reformation assessment," which entails an independent evaluation of a system's condition and management to identify pathways for reform. The bill allows public entities to reform, transfer, lease, or sell their water or wastewater assets in response to threats to drinking water or the environment. The assessment will be conducted by a qualified professional services firm and must include a valuation of existing assets and liabilities, as well as a comparative analysis of governance alternatives.

Once the assessment is completed, the system owner is required to propose a responsive reformation plan within 120 days and hold a public hearing to discuss the findings and proposed changes. The owner must notify the public of the hearing at least 30 days in advance, ensuring transparency and public involvement in the decision-making process. This legislation aims to enhance the management and operation of water and wastewater systems in New Jersey, ensuring they meet regulatory standards and effectively serve the community while addressing emergent conditions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 58:30-2, 58:30-3, 58:30-4, 58:30-5, 58:30-6