S1895

TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senator Wayne R. Bryant that would authorize the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to remove any dam the Commissioner has concluded to be in imminent danger of failing, and charge the dam owner for dam repairs and removal received final legislative approval today in the Assembly.

“There are a number of privately owned dams throughout the state that are in need of repair and or removal,” said Senator Bryant, D-Camden and Gloucester. “This measure would grant the DEP Commissioner the authority to decide which dams need to be repaired or removed, at the expense of negligent dam owners.”

TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senator Wayne R. Bryant that would authorize the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to remove any dam the Commissioner has concluded to be in eminent danger of failing, and charge the owner for the dam’s removal has been approved by the Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee.

“The flooding the State has experienced over the past year shows that there are a great deal of dams in need of repair, and many of the owners have been slacking on fixing the problem,” said Senator Bryant, D-Camden and Gloucester. “By allowing the DEP to remove any dams that aren’t in compliance with their guidelines and charge the owners, we would be sending a clear message that we mean business and the dams must be repaired in order to reduce the chances of serious flooding.”

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Wayne R. Bryant to allow the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to impose penalties on private dam owners who allow their dams to fall into disrepair was approved by the Senate today by a vote of 27-10.

“This bill is about demanding a higher standard of safety from private dam owners,” said Senator Bryant, D-Camden and Gloucester, the Chairman of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee. “We cannot allow private citizens to operate dams that may potentially risk the lives and property of their neighbors. By giving the DEP the authority to penalize dam owners whose dams pose a threat, we are ensuring the safety of everyone in the area.”