LEGISLATIVE FISCAL ESTIMATE
[First Reprint]
SENATE, No. 3582
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
220th LEGISLATURE
DATED: MARCH 10, 2023
SUMMARY
Synopsis: Requires DEP to study feasibility of using alternative water supply
source when perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances exceed
maximum contaminant level.
Type of Impact: One-time expenditure increase to the State.
Agencies Affected: Department of Environmental Protection.
Office of Legislative Services Estimate
One-Time Fiscal Impact
State Expenditure Increase Approximately $258,000 to $541,000
 The Office of Legislative Services (OLS) estimates that this bill will result in a one-time
increase in State expenditures of approximately $258,000 to $541,000 for the Department of
Environmental Protection to conduct a study of alternative drinking water supplies that may
be available when an exceedance of a maximum contaminant level for perfluoroalkyl or
polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is discovered.
BILL DESCRIPTION
The bill would require the Department of Environmental Protection to conduct a study
concerning the use of alternative drinking water supply sources when an exceedance of a maximum
contaminant level for PFAS is discovered.
As part of the study, the department would consider the drinking water supply sources available
to public community water systems in the State and identify alternative drinking water supplies
that may be available for use by public community water systems to provide water to the customers
of the system when a maximum contaminant level exceedance for a PFAS substance is discovered.
In conducting the study, the department would solicit input from representatives of public
community water systems, academic institutions, and environmental organizations with expertise
Office of Legislative Services Legislative Budget and Finance Office
State House Annex Phone (609) 847-3105
P.O. Box 068 Fax (609) 777-2442
Trenton, New Jersey 08625 www.njleg.state.nj.us
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in issues related to the State’s water supplies, and may hold public hearings to receive testimony
from the public on the issue.
The bill would require the department to prepare and submit to the Governor and the
Legislature a written report containing the findings and recommendations of the study, including
any proposals for legislation or other appropriate legislative or regulatory action, within one year
after the bill's enactment.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
EXECUTIVE BRANCH
None received.
OFFICE OF LEGISLATIVE SERVICES
The OLS estimates that this bill will result in a one-time increase in State expenditures of
approximately $258,000 to $541,000 for the department to conduct a study concerning the use of
alternative drinking water supply sources when an exceedance of a maximum contaminant level
for PFAS is discovered. This estimated range is based on information provided by the Executive
on the costs of similar studies. Depending on its scope, it would typically cost the department
between $200,000 and $300,000 to contract out such a study to a third party and require between
0.5 and 1.5 additional full-time equivalent employee resources to help develop and implement the
study. The OLS determines that the salary cost of a full-time equivalent employee would be in the
range of $72,000 to $100,000. The cost to the State of 0.5 to 1.5 such employees would therefore
be between about $58,000 and $241,000 inclusive of fringe benefits. If the employee salaries fall
below or above this estimated range, this fiscal estimate would change accordingly. Additional
employee time would also be required to write and publish the required study.
Section: Environment, Agriculture, Energy, and Natural Resources
Analyst: Neha Patel
Senior Fiscal Analyst
Approved: Thomas Koenig
Legislative Budget and Finance Officer
This legislative fiscal estimate has been produced by the Office of Legislative Services due to the
failure of the Executive Branch to respond to our request for a fiscal note.
This fiscal estimate has been prepared pursuant to P.L.1980, c.67 (C.52:13B-6 et seq.).