This bill amends the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act to enhance the definitions and regulations surrounding hazardous substances, particularly focusing on polyfluoroalkyl and perfluorinated substances (PFAS). It introduces new definitions for "hazardous substance" to include specific PFAS compounds and establishes the term "special drinking water resource-impacted community" for municipalities affected by these contaminants. The Governor is granted authority to declare such communities based on the presence of hazardous substances in their water supply, and the bill allows for the establishment of alternative drinking water standards in these areas. Additionally, municipalities can require public water suppliers to test for PFAS, and suppliers must report findings to the Department of Environmental Resources.

The bill also outlines the responsibilities of the Department of Environmental Resources, including the duty to determine if newly identified chemical substances should be classified as hazardous. It provides protections for municipalities and public water suppliers from being deemed responsible for PFAS contamination in certain operational wastes, ensuring they are not held liable for the presence of these substances if they result from the characteristics of their water supply sources. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 578 (Feb 12, 2025): P.L.756, No.108, P.L.380, No.97
Printer's No. 0578: P.L.756, No.108, P.L.380, No.97