In any action brought pursuant to section 4 hereof, when the plaintiff in the action has made a prima facie showing that the conduct of the defendant has, or is polluting, impairing or destroying the environment or the interest of the public therein, the defendant may rebut such showing by the submission of competent evidence to the contrary, and defendant may show as an affirmative defense that his conduct does not violate any statute, regulation or ordinance designed to minimize pollution or impairment of the environment and is in compliance in good faith with any pollution abatement schedule if applicable the purpose of which is alleviation of the damage to the environment complained of. The rules concerning burden of proof and weight of evidence generally applicable in civil actions in the Superior Court shall apply to actions brought under this act.

L.1974, c. 169, s. 5, eff. Dec. 9, 1974.