New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A4200

Introduced
6/9/22  

Caption

Requires DEP and owners of certain reservoirs to implement certain flood control measures; authorizes Office of Emergency Management to order lowering of reservoirs levels in response to severe weather events.

Impact

The introduction of A4200 seeks to implement comprehensive flood control measures across New Jersey by requiring reservoir owners to create and maintain flood action plans. These plans must address the design, construction, and operational aspects of flood mitigation structures, such as flood gates. Furthermore, it empowers the Office of Emergency Management to mandate lower water levels in reservoirs during severe weather events, reflecting a proactive approach to disaster preparedness and water management. This aligns state regulations with contemporary environmental and safety needs.

Summary

Assembly Bill A4200, introduced in New Jersey, mandates the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to identify reservoirs with historic flooding records. For each identified reservoir, the DEP is tasked with studying both the downstream river or stream capacity and the reservoir’s water storage ability. Additionally, the law requires ERA to evaluate the water usage needs of areas served by these reservoirs. The ultimate goal is to establish regulations for maximum water levels that prioritize flood protection while ensuring adequate water supply.

Contention

The bill aims to indemnify reservoir owners against claims arising from potential flood control measures under specific compliance conditions. By fostering collaboration between the DEP and local reservoir owners, A4200 intends to streamline flood management practices, though it may raise concerns among certain stakeholders. There may be debates regarding the extent of governmental control over reservoir operations and the implications this may have on local water resource management, impacting both economic and environmental perspectives.

Companion Bills

NJ S790

Same As Requires DEP and owners of certain reservoirs to implement certain flood control measures; authorizes Office of Emergency Management to order lowering of reservoirs levels in response to severe weather events.

Previously Filed As

NJ A547

Requires DEP and owners of certain reservoirs to implement certain flood control measures; authorizes Office of Emergency Management to order lowering of reservoirs levels in response to severe weather events.

NJ S1952

Requires DEP and owners of certain reservoirs to implement certain flood control measures; authorizes Office of Emergency Management to order lowering of reservoirs levels in response to severe weather events.

NJ A630

Limits to 14 days effective period of certain emergency orders, rules, or regulations.

NJ A1318

Requires DEP to provide public access for boats to certain State-and county-owned lakes and reservoirs.*

NJ S309

Requires DEP to provide public access for boats to certain State-and county-owned lakes and reservoirs.

NJ SB43

Relating to an exemption from the requirement to obtain a permit from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for certain dams or reservoirs operated and maintained for the purposes of erosion, floodwater, and sediment control.

NJ SB2568

Relating to an exemption from the requirement to obtain a permit from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for certain dams or reservoirs operated and maintained for the purposes of erosion, floodwater, and sediment control.

NJ ACR29

Applies to Congress for an Article V Convention of States to limit certain powers of the federal government and terms of office.

NJ ACR31

Proposes constitutional amendment authorizing municipalities, by ordinance, to provide partial property tax exemption on primary residence of certain volunteer first responders.

NJ A3175

Requires DEP to provide public access for boats to certain State-owned lakes; appropriates $1 million.

Similar Bills

CA SB1253

Salinas Reservoir: recreational use.

NJ S1952

Requires DEP and owners of certain reservoirs to implement certain flood control measures; authorizes Office of Emergency Management to order lowering of reservoirs levels in response to severe weather events.

NJ A547

Requires DEP and owners of certain reservoirs to implement certain flood control measures; authorizes Office of Emergency Management to order lowering of reservoirs levels in response to severe weather events.

CA AB707

San Luis and Delta-Mendota Water Authority: B.F. Sisk Dam Raise and Reservoir Expansion Project.

CA SB872

Delta Levees and Canal Subsidence Fund.

MS HB1098

Ross Barnett Reservoir; rename as the "B.B. King Reservoir".

MS HB1351

Ross Barnett Reservoir; rename as the "William F. Winter and Fannie Lou Hamer Reservoir."

NJ ACR51

Urges parties to 1954 U.S. Supreme Court Decree to address ongoing risk of Delaware River Basin flooding.