State Codes and Statutes

Statutes > New-jersey > Title-58 > Section-58-4a > 58-4a-19

58:4A-19  Fee schedule.

15.  a.  (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2005, c.134).

b.The department shall adopt, and may periodically amend, by regulation, a fee schedule setting forth reasonable fees for license applications and examinations, and for issuance and renewal of any license in amounts adequate to cover the costs of administering all licensing and license enforcement programs, including the continuing education program established by the department pursuant to section 7 of P.L.1947, c.377 (C.58:4A-11). All revenues derived from this section, section 10 of P.L.1947, c.377 (C.58:4A-14), and section 15 of P.L.1995, c.312 (C.58:4A-14.1) shall be deposited in the "Environmental Services Fund" established pursuant to section 5 of P.L.1975, c.232 (C.13:1D-33), and shall be used for the administration of well programs pursuant to P.L.1947, c.377 (C.58:4A-5 et seq.), including the continuing education program established by the department pursuant to section 7 of P.L.1947, c.377 (C.58:4A-11).

L.1947,c.377,s.15; amended 1979, c.398, s.12; 1995, c.312, s.18; 2005, c.134, s.4.
 
58:4A-20.Powers, rights of department
16. The department shall have the power to make such inspections and take such samples as may be deemed necessary for the investigation of the construction, sealing, and repair of wells throughout the State.  The department shall also have the right to enter upon any and all property for the purpose of obtaining information about wells, whether idle, in use or abandoned.

L.1947,c.377,s.16; amended 1951,c.261,s.2; 1968,c.308,s.11; 1979,c.398,s.13; 1995,c.312,s.19.
58:4A-20.1.Authority of master well driller
16. A master well driller shall have the authority to certify that the well, including well pumping equipment and appurtenances thereto, has been constructed to meet the standards promulgated pursuant to P.L.1954, c.199 (C.58:11-23 et seq.), P.L.1977, c.224 (C.58:12A-1 et seq.), and P.L.1947, c.377 (C.58:4A-5 et seq.).

L.1979, c.398, s.16; amended 1995, c .312, s.20.
 
58:4A-23.Definitions relative to well drilling
19. As used in this act:

"Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Environmental Protection.

"Well" means a hole or excavation larger than a minimum diameter and depth established by department regulations pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1947, c.377 (C.58:4A-5) that is drilled, bored, cored, driven, jetted, dug, or otherwise constructed for the purpose of removal or emplacement of, or investigation of, or exploration for, fluids, water, oil, gas, minerals, soil, or rock, or for the installation of an elevator shaft.

"Well drilling" means the drilling, digging, driving, boring, coring, sealing, jetting, or other construction or repair of any well.

"Well driller" means a person possessing a New Jersey license as a well driller of the proper class, including but not limited to test borers and such other classifications as the department establishes by regulation, who engages in well drilling or pump installing.

"Master well driller" means a well driller possessing a New Jersey master well driller's license who has at least five years' experience in the trade, business, or calling of well drilling, including at least two years of experience as a licensed journeyman well driller in this State, and is skilled in the planning, superintending, and practical construction of wells, and the installation and repair of well pumping equipment and appurtenances thereto.

"Journeyman well driller" means a well driller possessing a New Jersey journeyman well driller's license who has at least three years of experience under the supervision of a New Jersey licensed well driller in the trade, business, or calling of well drilling, with concentration in the practical construction of wells, and the installation and repair of well pumping equipment and appurtenances thereto, or who satisfies equivalent experience and other requirements as prescribed by the department.

"Pump" means a mechanical device used to remove or emplace gases, water or fluids from or into a well.

"Pump installer" means a person possessing a New Jersey license as a pump installer who has at least one year of  experience under the supervision of a New Jersey licensed well driller or a New Jersey licensed pump installer, and is qualified to engage in pump installing.

"Pump installing" means the installation, removal, alteration, or repair of well pumping equipment and appurtenances thereto in connection with any well including connecting lines between a well and storage tank or appurtenance thereto.

"Board" means the "State Well Drillers and Pump Installers Examining and Advisory Board."

"Department" means the Department of Environmental Protection.

"License of the proper class" or "license" means a document issued to a person pursuant to section 7 of P.L.1947, c.377 (C.58:4A-11) authorizing the individual to engage and perform work in the trade, business, or calling of well drilling, or pump installing.

1947,c.377,s.19; amended 1951,c.261,s.3; 1952,c.84; 1968,c.308,s.12; 1979,c.398,s.14; 1995,c.312,s.21.
 
58:4A-24.Violations, penalties
20.  a.  Any person who shall engage in the trade, business, or calling of a well driller, or who shall operate a well drilling machine without having a New Jersey license, except in the presence and under the immediate on-site supervision of a New Jersey licensed well driller of the proper class, or any person, partnership, or corporation that engages in the trade, business, or calling of well drilling without employing a New Jersey licensed well driller to operate a well drilling machine, or that engages in the trade, business, or calling of pump installing without employing a New Jersey licensed pump installer or New Jersey licensed well driller, for the work or the immediate on-site supervision of the actual work, or that operates without a permit as provided in this act, or that negligently aids or abets in the commission of any violation, or that violates any provision of P.L.1947, c.377 (C.58:4A-5 et seq.), any rule or regulation adopted, or order or directive issued, pursuant thereto, shall be subject to, as applicable,  any or all of the following:

(1) A civil administrative penalty imposed pursuant to subsection c. of this section;

(2) A civil penalty collected, as provided in subsection d. of this section, in an action by the department, or a political subdivision of the State, in a court of competent jurisdiction in a summary proceeding pursuant to "the penalty enforcement law," (N.J.S.2A:58-1 et seq.);

(3) A civil action in accordance with subsection b. of this section; or

(4) An order by the department requiring a violator to comply with the provisions of this act or any rules or regulations adopted pursuant thereto in accordance with subsection e. of this section.

Use of any remedy available pursuant to this subsection shall not preclude the use of any other remedy available thereunder, except that not more than one monetary penalty may be assessed for any single violation.  Any penalties or costs collected in an action brought by a political subdivision pursuant to paragraph (2) of this subsection shall be payable to that political subdivision.

Acceptance by any person, partnership, or corporation of any money or other consideration of value for the construction of any well or installation or repair of a pump by anyone other than a licensed well driller of the proper class or licensed pump installer, shall be deemed prima facie evidence of the violation of this act.

b. The department may institute an action or proceeding in the Superior Court for injunctive and other relief for any violation of P.L.1947, c.377 or of any rule, regulation, order, or directive issued pursuant thereto, and the court may proceed in the action in a summary manner.  Such relief may include, singly or in combination:

(1) Assessment of the reasonable costs of any investigation, inspection or monitoring survey that led to the establishment of the violation, and for the reasonable costs of preparing and litigating the case under this subsection;

(2) Assessment of the reasonable cost incurred by the State in terminating any adverse effects of a violation on water quality or other elements of the environment;

(3) Assessment of compensatory damages for any loss or destruction of wildlife, fish or other aquatic life, or other natural resources, and for any other actual damages;

(4) The recovery of the costs of sealing a well as may be required pursuant to section 4 of P.L.1995, c.312 (C.58:4A-4.2a); and

(5) A temporary or permanent injunction.

Compensatory damages collected pursuant to paragraph (3) of this subsection shall be paid to the General Fund, except that compensatory damages shall be paid by specific order of the court to any persons who have been aggrieved by the violation.  Recovery of assessments pursuant to paragraph (4) of this subsection shall be paid into the "well sealing fund" established pursuant to section 5 of P.L.1995, c.312 (C.58:4A-4.2b).

c. The department may assess, in accordance with a uniform policy adopted therefor, a civil administrative penalty of not more than $5,000 for each violation directly related to the construction of a well, and a civil administrative penalty of not more than $1,000 for each violation that is not construction-related, and each day during which a violation continues shall constitute an additional, separate and distinct offense.

Any amount assessed under this subsection shall fall within a range established by regulation by the department for violations of a similar type, seriousness, and duration.

In adopting rules for a uniform civil administrative penalty policy for determining the amount of a civil administrative penalty to be assessed, the department shall take into account the type, seriousness, extent and frequency of a violation, the harm to the public health or the environment resulting from the violation, the economic benefits from the violation gained by the violator, the degree of cooperation or recalcitrance of the violator in remedying the violation, any measures taken by the violator to avoid a repetition of the violation, and any other pertinent factors that the department determines measure the seriousness or frequency of the violation, or conduct of the violator.

No civil administrative penalty shall be levied pursuant to this subsection until after the violator has been notified by certified mail or personal service.  The notice shall include a reference to the section of the statute, rule, regulation, or order or directive violated; a concise statement of the facts alleged to constitute a violation; a statement of the amount of the civil administrative penalties to be imposed; and a statement of the party's right to a hearing.  The party shall have twenty days from the receipt of the notice within which to deliver to the commissioner a written request for a hearing.  After the hearing and upon finding that a violation has occurred, the department may issue a final order assessing a penalty up to the amount of the penalty specified in the order.  If no hearing is requested, the notice shall become a final order on the twenty-first day after receipt of the notice.  Payment of the assessment is due when a final order is issued, or the notice becomes a final order.

d. Any person who violates the provisions of P.L.1947, c.377, or any rule or regulation adopted, or order or directive issued pursuant thereto, or a court order issued pursuant to subsection b. of this section, or who fails to pay a civil administrative penalty in full pursuant to subsection c. of this section, shall be subject, upon order of a court, to a civil penalty of not more than $5,000 for each violation directly related to the construction of a well, and a civil administrative penalty of not more than $1,000 for each violation that is not construction-related, and each day the violation continues shall constitute an additional, separate, and distinct offense.

Any civil action to impose a penalty pursuant to this subsection may be commenced in the Superior Court or in the municipal court and that penalty may be enforced and collected with costs in a summary proceeding pursuant to "the penalty enforcement law," N.J.S.2A:58-1 et seq.

e. Whenever the department finds that a person has violated any provision of P.L.1947, c.377, or any rule or regulation adopted, or order or directive issued pursuant thereto, the department may issue an order specifying the provision or provisions of P.L.1947, c.377, or the rule, regulation, or order or directive issued, pursuant thereto, of which the person is in violation, citing the action which constituted the violation, ordering abatement of the violation, and giving notice to the person of the right to a hearing on the matters contained in the order.  The ordered party shall have 20 calendar days from receipt of the order within which to deliver to the department a written request for a hearing.  Such order shall be effective upon receipt and any person to whom such order is directed shall comply with the order immediately.  A request for hearing shall not automatically stay the effect of the order.

f. The department may compromise any remedy and settle any claim for a penalty under this section in the amount in the discretion of the department as may appear appropriate and equitable under all of the circumstances.

L.1947,c.377,s.20; amended 1968,c.308,s.13; 1979,c.398,s.15; 1995,c.312,s.22.

State Codes and Statutes

Statutes > New-jersey > Title-58 > Section-58-4a > 58-4a-19

58:4A-19  Fee schedule.

15.  a.  (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2005, c.134).

b.The department shall adopt, and may periodically amend, by regulation, a fee schedule setting forth reasonable fees for license applications and examinations, and for issuance and renewal of any license in amounts adequate to cover the costs of administering all licensing and license enforcement programs, including the continuing education program established by the department pursuant to section 7 of P.L.1947, c.377 (C.58:4A-11). All revenues derived from this section, section 10 of P.L.1947, c.377 (C.58:4A-14), and section 15 of P.L.1995, c.312 (C.58:4A-14.1) shall be deposited in the "Environmental Services Fund" established pursuant to section 5 of P.L.1975, c.232 (C.13:1D-33), and shall be used for the administration of well programs pursuant to P.L.1947, c.377 (C.58:4A-5 et seq.), including the continuing education program established by the department pursuant to section 7 of P.L.1947, c.377 (C.58:4A-11).

L.1947,c.377,s.15; amended 1979, c.398, s.12; 1995, c.312, s.18; 2005, c.134, s.4.
 
58:4A-20.Powers, rights of department
16. The department shall have the power to make such inspections and take such samples as may be deemed necessary for the investigation of the construction, sealing, and repair of wells throughout the State.  The department shall also have the right to enter upon any and all property for the purpose of obtaining information about wells, whether idle, in use or abandoned.

L.1947,c.377,s.16; amended 1951,c.261,s.2; 1968,c.308,s.11; 1979,c.398,s.13; 1995,c.312,s.19.
58:4A-20.1.Authority of master well driller
16. A master well driller shall have the authority to certify that the well, including well pumping equipment and appurtenances thereto, has been constructed to meet the standards promulgated pursuant to P.L.1954, c.199 (C.58:11-23 et seq.), P.L.1977, c.224 (C.58:12A-1 et seq.), and P.L.1947, c.377 (C.58:4A-5 et seq.).

L.1979, c.398, s.16; amended 1995, c .312, s.20.
 
58:4A-23.Definitions relative to well drilling
19. As used in this act:

"Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Environmental Protection.

"Well" means a hole or excavation larger than a minimum diameter and depth established by department regulations pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1947, c.377 (C.58:4A-5) that is drilled, bored, cored, driven, jetted, dug, or otherwise constructed for the purpose of removal or emplacement of, or investigation of, or exploration for, fluids, water, oil, gas, minerals, soil, or rock, or for the installation of an elevator shaft.

"Well drilling" means the drilling, digging, driving, boring, coring, sealing, jetting, or other construction or repair of any well.

"Well driller" means a person possessing a New Jersey license as a well driller of the proper class, including but not limited to test borers and such other classifications as the department establishes by regulation, who engages in well drilling or pump installing.

"Master well driller" means a well driller possessing a New Jersey master well driller's license who has at least five years' experience in the trade, business, or calling of well drilling, including at least two years of experience as a licensed journeyman well driller in this State, and is skilled in the planning, superintending, and practical construction of wells, and the installation and repair of well pumping equipment and appurtenances thereto.

"Journeyman well driller" means a well driller possessing a New Jersey journeyman well driller's license who has at least three years of experience under the supervision of a New Jersey licensed well driller in the trade, business, or calling of well drilling, with concentration in the practical construction of wells, and the installation and repair of well pumping equipment and appurtenances thereto, or who satisfies equivalent experience and other requirements as prescribed by the department.

"Pump" means a mechanical device used to remove or emplace gases, water or fluids from or into a well.

"Pump installer" means a person possessing a New Jersey license as a pump installer who has at least one year of  experience under the supervision of a New Jersey licensed well driller or a New Jersey licensed pump installer, and is qualified to engage in pump installing.

"Pump installing" means the installation, removal, alteration, or repair of well pumping equipment and appurtenances thereto in connection with any well including connecting lines between a well and storage tank or appurtenance thereto.

"Board" means the "State Well Drillers and Pump Installers Examining and Advisory Board."

"Department" means the Department of Environmental Protection.

"License of the proper class" or "license" means a document issued to a person pursuant to section 7 of P.L.1947, c.377 (C.58:4A-11) authorizing the individual to engage and perform work in the trade, business, or calling of well drilling, or pump installing.

1947,c.377,s.19; amended 1951,c.261,s.3; 1952,c.84; 1968,c.308,s.12; 1979,c.398,s.14; 1995,c.312,s.21.
 
58:4A-24.Violations, penalties
20.  a.  Any person who shall engage in the trade, business, or calling of a well driller, or who shall operate a well drilling machine without having a New Jersey license, except in the presence and under the immediate on-site supervision of a New Jersey licensed well driller of the proper class, or any person, partnership, or corporation that engages in the trade, business, or calling of well drilling without employing a New Jersey licensed well driller to operate a well drilling machine, or that engages in the trade, business, or calling of pump installing without employing a New Jersey licensed pump installer or New Jersey licensed well driller, for the work or the immediate on-site supervision of the actual work, or that operates without a permit as provided in this act, or that negligently aids or abets in the commission of any violation, or that violates any provision of P.L.1947, c.377 (C.58:4A-5 et seq.), any rule or regulation adopted, or order or directive issued, pursuant thereto, shall be subject to, as applicable,  any or all of the following:

(1) A civil administrative penalty imposed pursuant to subsection c. of this section;

(2) A civil penalty collected, as provided in subsection d. of this section, in an action by the department, or a political subdivision of the State, in a court of competent jurisdiction in a summary proceeding pursuant to "the penalty enforcement law," (N.J.S.2A:58-1 et seq.);

(3) A civil action in accordance with subsection b. of this section; or

(4) An order by the department requiring a violator to comply with the provisions of this act or any rules or regulations adopted pursuant thereto in accordance with subsection e. of this section.

Use of any remedy available pursuant to this subsection shall not preclude the use of any other remedy available thereunder, except that not more than one monetary penalty may be assessed for any single violation.  Any penalties or costs collected in an action brought by a political subdivision pursuant to paragraph (2) of this subsection shall be payable to that political subdivision.

Acceptance by any person, partnership, or corporation of any money or other consideration of value for the construction of any well or installation or repair of a pump by anyone other than a licensed well driller of the proper class or licensed pump installer, shall be deemed prima facie evidence of the violation of this act.

b. The department may institute an action or proceeding in the Superior Court for injunctive and other relief for any violation of P.L.1947, c.377 or of any rule, regulation, order, or directive issued pursuant thereto, and the court may proceed in the action in a summary manner.  Such relief may include, singly or in combination:

(1) Assessment of the reasonable costs of any investigation, inspection or monitoring survey that led to the establishment of the violation, and for the reasonable costs of preparing and litigating the case under this subsection;

(2) Assessment of the reasonable cost incurred by the State in terminating any adverse effects of a violation on water quality or other elements of the environment;

(3) Assessment of compensatory damages for any loss or destruction of wildlife, fish or other aquatic life, or other natural resources, and for any other actual damages;

(4) The recovery of the costs of sealing a well as may be required pursuant to section 4 of P.L.1995, c.312 (C.58:4A-4.2a); and

(5) A temporary or permanent injunction.

Compensatory damages collected pursuant to paragraph (3) of this subsection shall be paid to the General Fund, except that compensatory damages shall be paid by specific order of the court to any persons who have been aggrieved by the violation.  Recovery of assessments pursuant to paragraph (4) of this subsection shall be paid into the "well sealing fund" established pursuant to section 5 of P.L.1995, c.312 (C.58:4A-4.2b).

c. The department may assess, in accordance with a uniform policy adopted therefor, a civil administrative penalty of not more than $5,000 for each violation directly related to the construction of a well, and a civil administrative penalty of not more than $1,000 for each violation that is not construction-related, and each day during which a violation continues shall constitute an additional, separate and distinct offense.

Any amount assessed under this subsection shall fall within a range established by regulation by the department for violations of a similar type, seriousness, and duration.

In adopting rules for a uniform civil administrative penalty policy for determining the amount of a civil administrative penalty to be assessed, the department shall take into account the type, seriousness, extent and frequency of a violation, the harm to the public health or the environment resulting from the violation, the economic benefits from the violation gained by the violator, the degree of cooperation or recalcitrance of the violator in remedying the violation, any measures taken by the violator to avoid a repetition of the violation, and any other pertinent factors that the department determines measure the seriousness or frequency of the violation, or conduct of the violator.

No civil administrative penalty shall be levied pursuant to this subsection until after the violator has been notified by certified mail or personal service.  The notice shall include a reference to the section of the statute, rule, regulation, or order or directive violated; a concise statement of the facts alleged to constitute a violation; a statement of the amount of the civil administrative penalties to be imposed; and a statement of the party's right to a hearing.  The party shall have twenty days from the receipt of the notice within which to deliver to the commissioner a written request for a hearing.  After the hearing and upon finding that a violation has occurred, the department may issue a final order assessing a penalty up to the amount of the penalty specified in the order.  If no hearing is requested, the notice shall become a final order on the twenty-first day after receipt of the notice.  Payment of the assessment is due when a final order is issued, or the notice becomes a final order.

d. Any person who violates the provisions of P.L.1947, c.377, or any rule or regulation adopted, or order or directive issued pursuant thereto, or a court order issued pursuant to subsection b. of this section, or who fails to pay a civil administrative penalty in full pursuant to subsection c. of this section, shall be subject, upon order of a court, to a civil penalty of not more than $5,000 for each violation directly related to the construction of a well, and a civil administrative penalty of not more than $1,000 for each violation that is not construction-related, and each day the violation continues shall constitute an additional, separate, and distinct offense.

Any civil action to impose a penalty pursuant to this subsection may be commenced in the Superior Court or in the municipal court and that penalty may be enforced and collected with costs in a summary proceeding pursuant to "the penalty enforcement law," N.J.S.2A:58-1 et seq.

e. Whenever the department finds that a person has violated any provision of P.L.1947, c.377, or any rule or regulation adopted, or order or directive issued pursuant thereto, the department may issue an order specifying the provision or provisions of P.L.1947, c.377, or the rule, regulation, or order or directive issued, pursuant thereto, of which the person is in violation, citing the action which constituted the violation, ordering abatement of the violation, and giving notice to the person of the right to a hearing on the matters contained in the order.  The ordered party shall have 20 calendar days from receipt of the order within which to deliver to the department a written request for a hearing.  Such order shall be effective upon receipt and any person to whom such order is directed shall comply with the order immediately.  A request for hearing shall not automatically stay the effect of the order.

f. The department may compromise any remedy and settle any claim for a penalty under this section in the amount in the discretion of the department as may appear appropriate and equitable under all of the circumstances.

L.1947,c.377,s.20; amended 1968,c.308,s.13; 1979,c.398,s.15; 1995,c.312,s.22.

State Codes and Statutes

State Codes and Statutes

Statutes > New-jersey > Title-58 > Section-58-4a > 58-4a-19

58:4A-19  Fee schedule.

15.  a.  (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2005, c.134).

b.The department shall adopt, and may periodically amend, by regulation, a fee schedule setting forth reasonable fees for license applications and examinations, and for issuance and renewal of any license in amounts adequate to cover the costs of administering all licensing and license enforcement programs, including the continuing education program established by the department pursuant to section 7 of P.L.1947, c.377 (C.58:4A-11). All revenues derived from this section, section 10 of P.L.1947, c.377 (C.58:4A-14), and section 15 of P.L.1995, c.312 (C.58:4A-14.1) shall be deposited in the "Environmental Services Fund" established pursuant to section 5 of P.L.1975, c.232 (C.13:1D-33), and shall be used for the administration of well programs pursuant to P.L.1947, c.377 (C.58:4A-5 et seq.), including the continuing education program established by the department pursuant to section 7 of P.L.1947, c.377 (C.58:4A-11).

L.1947,c.377,s.15; amended 1979, c.398, s.12; 1995, c.312, s.18; 2005, c.134, s.4.
 
58:4A-20.Powers, rights of department
16. The department shall have the power to make such inspections and take such samples as may be deemed necessary for the investigation of the construction, sealing, and repair of wells throughout the State.  The department shall also have the right to enter upon any and all property for the purpose of obtaining information about wells, whether idle, in use or abandoned.

L.1947,c.377,s.16; amended 1951,c.261,s.2; 1968,c.308,s.11; 1979,c.398,s.13; 1995,c.312,s.19.
58:4A-20.1.Authority of master well driller
16. A master well driller shall have the authority to certify that the well, including well pumping equipment and appurtenances thereto, has been constructed to meet the standards promulgated pursuant to P.L.1954, c.199 (C.58:11-23 et seq.), P.L.1977, c.224 (C.58:12A-1 et seq.), and P.L.1947, c.377 (C.58:4A-5 et seq.).

L.1979, c.398, s.16; amended 1995, c .312, s.20.
 
58:4A-23.Definitions relative to well drilling
19. As used in this act:

"Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Environmental Protection.

"Well" means a hole or excavation larger than a minimum diameter and depth established by department regulations pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1947, c.377 (C.58:4A-5) that is drilled, bored, cored, driven, jetted, dug, or otherwise constructed for the purpose of removal or emplacement of, or investigation of, or exploration for, fluids, water, oil, gas, minerals, soil, or rock, or for the installation of an elevator shaft.

"Well drilling" means the drilling, digging, driving, boring, coring, sealing, jetting, or other construction or repair of any well.

"Well driller" means a person possessing a New Jersey license as a well driller of the proper class, including but not limited to test borers and such other classifications as the department establishes by regulation, who engages in well drilling or pump installing.

"Master well driller" means a well driller possessing a New Jersey master well driller's license who has at least five years' experience in the trade, business, or calling of well drilling, including at least two years of experience as a licensed journeyman well driller in this State, and is skilled in the planning, superintending, and practical construction of wells, and the installation and repair of well pumping equipment and appurtenances thereto.

"Journeyman well driller" means a well driller possessing a New Jersey journeyman well driller's license who has at least three years of experience under the supervision of a New Jersey licensed well driller in the trade, business, or calling of well drilling, with concentration in the practical construction of wells, and the installation and repair of well pumping equipment and appurtenances thereto, or who satisfies equivalent experience and other requirements as prescribed by the department.

"Pump" means a mechanical device used to remove or emplace gases, water or fluids from or into a well.

"Pump installer" means a person possessing a New Jersey license as a pump installer who has at least one year of  experience under the supervision of a New Jersey licensed well driller or a New Jersey licensed pump installer, and is qualified to engage in pump installing.

"Pump installing" means the installation, removal, alteration, or repair of well pumping equipment and appurtenances thereto in connection with any well including connecting lines between a well and storage tank or appurtenance thereto.

"Board" means the "State Well Drillers and Pump Installers Examining and Advisory Board."

"Department" means the Department of Environmental Protection.

"License of the proper class" or "license" means a document issued to a person pursuant to section 7 of P.L.1947, c.377 (C.58:4A-11) authorizing the individual to engage and perform work in the trade, business, or calling of well drilling, or pump installing.

1947,c.377,s.19; amended 1951,c.261,s.3; 1952,c.84; 1968,c.308,s.12; 1979,c.398,s.14; 1995,c.312,s.21.
 
58:4A-24.Violations, penalties
20.  a.  Any person who shall engage in the trade, business, or calling of a well driller, or who shall operate a well drilling machine without having a New Jersey license, except in the presence and under the immediate on-site supervision of a New Jersey licensed well driller of the proper class, or any person, partnership, or corporation that engages in the trade, business, or calling of well drilling without employing a New Jersey licensed well driller to operate a well drilling machine, or that engages in the trade, business, or calling of pump installing without employing a New Jersey licensed pump installer or New Jersey licensed well driller, for the work or the immediate on-site supervision of the actual work, or that operates without a permit as provided in this act, or that negligently aids or abets in the commission of any violation, or that violates any provision of P.L.1947, c.377 (C.58:4A-5 et seq.), any rule or regulation adopted, or order or directive issued, pursuant thereto, shall be subject to, as applicable,  any or all of the following:

(1) A civil administrative penalty imposed pursuant to subsection c. of this section;

(2) A civil penalty collected, as provided in subsection d. of this section, in an action by the department, or a political subdivision of the State, in a court of competent jurisdiction in a summary proceeding pursuant to "the penalty enforcement law," (N.J.S.2A:58-1 et seq.);

(3) A civil action in accordance with subsection b. of this section; or

(4) An order by the department requiring a violator to comply with the provisions of this act or any rules or regulations adopted pursuant thereto in accordance with subsection e. of this section.

Use of any remedy available pursuant to this subsection shall not preclude the use of any other remedy available thereunder, except that not more than one monetary penalty may be assessed for any single violation.  Any penalties or costs collected in an action brought by a political subdivision pursuant to paragraph (2) of this subsection shall be payable to that political subdivision.

Acceptance by any person, partnership, or corporation of any money or other consideration of value for the construction of any well or installation or repair of a pump by anyone other than a licensed well driller of the proper class or licensed pump installer, shall be deemed prima facie evidence of the violation of this act.

b. The department may institute an action or proceeding in the Superior Court for injunctive and other relief for any violation of P.L.1947, c.377 or of any rule, regulation, order, or directive issued pursuant thereto, and the court may proceed in the action in a summary manner.  Such relief may include, singly or in combination:

(1) Assessment of the reasonable costs of any investigation, inspection or monitoring survey that led to the establishment of the violation, and for the reasonable costs of preparing and litigating the case under this subsection;

(2) Assessment of the reasonable cost incurred by the State in terminating any adverse effects of a violation on water quality or other elements of the environment;

(3) Assessment of compensatory damages for any loss or destruction of wildlife, fish or other aquatic life, or other natural resources, and for any other actual damages;

(4) The recovery of the costs of sealing a well as may be required pursuant to section 4 of P.L.1995, c.312 (C.58:4A-4.2a); and

(5) A temporary or permanent injunction.

Compensatory damages collected pursuant to paragraph (3) of this subsection shall be paid to the General Fund, except that compensatory damages shall be paid by specific order of the court to any persons who have been aggrieved by the violation.  Recovery of assessments pursuant to paragraph (4) of this subsection shall be paid into the "well sealing fund" established pursuant to section 5 of P.L.1995, c.312 (C.58:4A-4.2b).

c. The department may assess, in accordance with a uniform policy adopted therefor, a civil administrative penalty of not more than $5,000 for each violation directly related to the construction of a well, and a civil administrative penalty of not more than $1,000 for each violation that is not construction-related, and each day during which a violation continues shall constitute an additional, separate and distinct offense.

Any amount assessed under this subsection shall fall within a range established by regulation by the department for violations of a similar type, seriousness, and duration.

In adopting rules for a uniform civil administrative penalty policy for determining the amount of a civil administrative penalty to be assessed, the department shall take into account the type, seriousness, extent and frequency of a violation, the harm to the public health or the environment resulting from the violation, the economic benefits from the violation gained by the violator, the degree of cooperation or recalcitrance of the violator in remedying the violation, any measures taken by the violator to avoid a repetition of the violation, and any other pertinent factors that the department determines measure the seriousness or frequency of the violation, or conduct of the violator.

No civil administrative penalty shall be levied pursuant to this subsection until after the violator has been notified by certified mail or personal service.  The notice shall include a reference to the section of the statute, rule, regulation, or order or directive violated; a concise statement of the facts alleged to constitute a violation; a statement of the amount of the civil administrative penalties to be imposed; and a statement of the party's right to a hearing.  The party shall have twenty days from the receipt of the notice within which to deliver to the commissioner a written request for a hearing.  After the hearing and upon finding that a violation has occurred, the department may issue a final order assessing a penalty up to the amount of the penalty specified in the order.  If no hearing is requested, the notice shall become a final order on the twenty-first day after receipt of the notice.  Payment of the assessment is due when a final order is issued, or the notice becomes a final order.

d. Any person who violates the provisions of P.L.1947, c.377, or any rule or regulation adopted, or order or directive issued pursuant thereto, or a court order issued pursuant to subsection b. of this section, or who fails to pay a civil administrative penalty in full pursuant to subsection c. of this section, shall be subject, upon order of a court, to a civil penalty of not more than $5,000 for each violation directly related to the construction of a well, and a civil administrative penalty of not more than $1,000 for each violation that is not construction-related, and each day the violation continues shall constitute an additional, separate, and distinct offense.

Any civil action to impose a penalty pursuant to this subsection may be commenced in the Superior Court or in the municipal court and that penalty may be enforced and collected with costs in a summary proceeding pursuant to "the penalty enforcement law," N.J.S.2A:58-1 et seq.

e. Whenever the department finds that a person has violated any provision of P.L.1947, c.377, or any rule or regulation adopted, or order or directive issued pursuant thereto, the department may issue an order specifying the provision or provisions of P.L.1947, c.377, or the rule, regulation, or order or directive issued, pursuant thereto, of which the person is in violation, citing the action which constituted the violation, ordering abatement of the violation, and giving notice to the person of the right to a hearing on the matters contained in the order.  The ordered party shall have 20 calendar days from receipt of the order within which to deliver to the department a written request for a hearing.  Such order shall be effective upon receipt and any person to whom such order is directed shall comply with the order immediately.  A request for hearing shall not automatically stay the effect of the order.

f. The department may compromise any remedy and settle any claim for a penalty under this section in the amount in the discretion of the department as may appear appropriate and equitable under all of the circumstances.

L.1947,c.377,s.20; amended 1968,c.308,s.13; 1979,c.398,s.15; 1995,c.312,s.22.