ASSEMBLY SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON INFRASTRUCTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 5798

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JUNE 9, 2021

      The Assembly Special Committee on Infrastructure and Natural Resources reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 5798.

      This bill would amend the "Safe Dam Act," P.L.1981, c.249 (C.58:4-8.1 et seq.) to require any classification system for the hazard potential of dams, which is adopted by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), to take into account the potential loss of life, property damage, and impacts to natural resources that may result from failure of the dam.

      Under current law, the DEP has adopted a classification system, which classifies dams as either:

      (1)  Class I – for dams where loss of life or extensive property damage is probable upon dam failure;

      (2)  Class 2 – for dams where significant damage to property and project operation is likely upon dam failure, but loss of human life is not envisioned;

      (3)  Class 3 – for dams where 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.