Requires DEP to evaluate extending sewer service in Lake Hopatcong region; allows gross income tax deduction for septic system maintenance under certain circumstances.
Should the DEP determine that extending sewer services would not improve the lake's water quality or is impractical, the bill allows homeowners within the watershed to claim a gross income tax deduction equal to half the cost of maintaining their septic systems. This financial incentive is designed to encourage proper septic system maintenance, thereby reducing nutrient runoff that contributes to water quality issues. Such a tax deduction would not only relieve some financial burden for homeowners but also aim to promote environmentally responsible practices in the watershed.
Senate Bill S3601 mandates the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to assess the feasibility of extending sewer services in the Lake Hopatcong region. The bill aims to improve the water quality of the Lake Hopatcong watershed, which has been plagued by harmful algal blooms linked to excessive nutrient pollution from sources like septic systems and fertilizers. If the DEP finds that extending sewer service would significantly enhance water quality, steps may be taken to implement such a service. However, if deemed unfeasible, the bill provides alternative measures to support local homeowners.
The bill presents potential points of contention regarding local governance and environmental policy. Proponents argue that extending sewer services is crucial for protecting the water quality of Lake Hopatcong, while critics may express concerns about the effectiveness of tax deductions versus infrastructure improvements. Moreover, there may be discussions around balancing environmental stewardship with the practical implications of implementing sewer services in a region with existing septic systems. The required assessment by the DEP will involve local governmental input, which adds another layer of complexity to the legislative process.