The Legislature finds that the proper handling of hazardous waste and protection of the natural environment are important to the public health, safety and welfare. The Legislature also finds that spills and unlicensed discharges of hazardous waste may cause damage to owners and users of property, public and private recreational activities, the natural environment and the general health and safety of citizens of the State. [PL 1981, c. 478, §7 (NEW).]

The Legislature further finds that it is in the public interest of the State and its citizens to provide the capability for prompt and effective response to spills and unlicensed discharges of hazardous waste and that this state’s interest overweighs the economic burdens and any burden of strict liability imposed by this subchapter upon those engaged in generating, transporting and handling hazardous waste. [PL 1981, c. 478, §7 (NEW).]

The Legislature further finds that substantial quantities of waste oil are contaminated by hazardous waste and that waste oil, if not properly handled, is a threat to the public health, safety and welfare and to the environment and therefore must be controlled. [PL 1983, c. 342, §5 (NEW).]