Public Act No. 21-88 Summary

• Establishes a pilot program allowing the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection to issue up to four authorizations for beneficial use of reclaimed materials (soil, sediment, asphalt, concrete, glass, casting sand, and street sweepings) as fill on environmentally impaired or underutilized land.

• Limits beneficial use authorizations to single locations requiring at least 100,000 cubic yards of materials, locations in GB or GC groundwater quality areas served by public water supply, outside aquifer protection areas, and with prior municipal approvals and 30-year water monitoring plans.

• Requires applicants to submit a $25,000 nonrefundable application fee, environmental professional oversight qualifications, redevelopment plans, and a letter of credit to ensure compliance with closure and post-closure maintenance.

• Expands soil and water conservation district responsibilities to include soil health initiatives and establishes a statewide council with representatives from five districts, state agencies, agriculture, and conservation organizations to coordinate activities and approve regulations.

• Requires the Commissioner to report to the legislature by November 1, 2021, on the approval process for maintenance marine dredging projects over the previous four-year period, including application timelines and approval status.