After the COVID-19 Dust Settles: New Jersey Should Consider Passing Legislation for Environmental and Construction Permit and Application Extensions

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With the announcement of the closure of all non-essential businesses under Executive Order No. 107, dated March 21, 2020, extensions to mandatory and regulatory compliance and reporting requirements for contaminated properties will likely be announced.  However, ongoing operations of treatment systems for the protection of human health and the environment will still need to continue to operate.

In addition, construction projects, with expiring applications, plans, and permits may need to shut down or be delayed.  Many municipalities and local officials have informally advised that they will be extending timeframes and permit approvals but, thus far, this is happening on a location-by-location basis.  Trenton has been busy trying to address the health and economic crisis in the wake of COVID-19.  Construction and permitting are not likely at the top of the list.  However, as the necessary laws are put into place to try to keep its citizens safe, the New Jersey Legislature will then surely take up measures to protect environmental and construction projects in the State, as it has done in the past such as during the 2008 recession and after Superstorm Sandy.

If you have any specific questions about a regulatory reporting requirement for contaminated properties or any project, application, or permit, we can help.

Related Practices:   Environmental and Land Use

Related Attorney:   Lindsay P. Cambron