5. a. The department shall adopt, pursuant to the “Administrative Procedure Act,” P.L.1968, c.410 (C. 52:14B-1 et seq.), rules and regulations that establish limitations upon the maximum frequency and duration of violations resulting from equipment malfunctions, equipment start-ups, equipment shut-downs, and the performance of necessary equipment maintenance operations for which an affirmative defense may be asserted pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1993, c.89 (C. 26:2C-19.2). The limitations shall be based upon the operating history of similar sources on an industry basis.

b. The affirmative defense established pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1993, c.89 (C. 26:2C-19.2), shall not be available with respect to violations arising from equipment malfunctions, equipment start-ups, or equipment shut-downs, or during necessary equipment maintenance operations, that occur more frequently or persist for a longer duration than the maximum limitations established pursuant to subsection a. of this section.

L.1993,c.89,s.5.