New Jersey Assembly Bill A1208

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Requires DOT to conduct study and issue report on use of rock salt on roadways.

Impact

The results of this study are significant as they will inform state policy on road maintenance practices while considering environmental repercussions. One of the primary concerns is the environmental impact of rock salt, specifically its contribution to increased sodium chloride levels in local waterways, which could adversely affect aquatic ecosystems and drinking water quality. The findings will be pivotal in guiding any potential legislative proposals that the Commissioner of Transportation may deem necessary to reform existing laws concerning rock salt use.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1208 mandates that the New Jersey Department of Transportation (DOT), in conjunction with the Commissioner of Environmental Protection, conduct a comprehensive study regarding the use of rock salt to manage snow and ice on roadways. The legislation seeks to gather extensive data on the historical and current application of rock salt, primarily focusing on the quantity and costs incurred over the past ten years. It also emphasizes efforts made by the DOT to minimize rock salt usage and evaluate the effectiveness of technologies such as pavement temperature monitoring and the deployment of tracking gear on snowplows.

Contention

Debate surrounding A1208 could emerge from differing perspectives on public safety versus environmental stewardship. Proponents might argue that maintaining road safety during winters justifies the use of traditional materials like rock salt, while opponents may highlight the detrimental environmental impacts associated with its runoff into the state's water systems. The study's outcomes could fuel discussions on whether alternative materials or practices should be adopted, appeasing both concerns regarding effective winter road management and environmental preservation.