TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Bob Gordon which requires the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) to provide written commitment that an eligible owner or operator of a non-leaking underground storage tank is eligible for financial assistance under the State’s cleanup fund regulations to replace or close the tank was signed into law yesterday by Governor Corzine.
“Underground storage tanks – even fully-intact tanks – can quickly become dangerous contaminants to groundwater and soil quality if they spring a leak,” said Senator Gordon, D-Bergen. “New Jersey has to do everything it can to encourage tank owners to keep on top of repairs, or close tanks if a more environmentally-conscious heating alternative is available. Rather than requiring homeowners to finance the cost of upkeep and then reimbursing them a portion of that cost if they’re eligible, homeowners acting in good faith will now have assurances of financial assistance before the project begins.”