ASSEMBLY REGULATED PROFESSIONS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 3904

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JUNE 24, 2024

      The Assembly Regulated Professions Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 3904.

      This bill requires a geotechnical engineer to provide recommendations concerning the type and frequency of geotechnical tests needed for transportation projects.  These recommendations will be based on the type of transportation project, the structure, and the site conditions of such project.  All recommendations will be put into effect during the construction phase of the transportation project, unless directed otherwise by the State transportation engineer, a designee of the State transportation engineer, or a person in an equivalent position to the State transportation engineer.  The geotechnical engineer is to be retained by the entity that solicits bids for a transportation project. 

      Prior to the start of construction of a transportation project that requires groundwater testing and monitoring, the bill requires the completion of groundwater testing and monitoring at the project site.  Thereafter, if warranted by the site conditions, the bill also requires ongoing groundwater testing and monitoring, determined by a geotechnical engineer, geologist, or the entity that solicits bids for a transportation project.  Data from the groundwater testing and monitoring is not to exceed three years from the start of construction. 

      In addition, if deemed necessary by a geotechnical engineer or the entity that solicits bids for a transportation project, the bill requires the collection and analysis of deformation data.  If the deformation exceeds the limits deemed acceptable by a geotechnical engineer, then advanced and ongoing monitoring of the deformation will commence for a period of time after construction is complete, which period of time will be determined by the geotechnical engineer or the entity that solicits bids for a transportation project. 

      The bill requires the Department of Transportation (department) to comply with all internal standards, manuals, procedures, and design documents, and the department is prohibited from waiving any of the standards and procedures provided in these documents.