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 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.).