16. a. Within 18 months after the effective date of this section, the Department of Environmental Protection, in consultation with the Board of Public Utilities, the Division of Local Government Services in the Department of Community Affairs, and stakeholders as the department deems appropriate, shall develop a stormwater utility guidance manual. The department shall periodically update the guidance manual as the department deems appropriate. The guidance manual shall include, but need not be limited to:

(1) technical assistance for counties, municipalities, and authorities seeking to establish a stormwater utility pursuant to P.L.2019, c.42 (C. 40A:26B-1 et al.);

(2) factors for counties, municipalities, and authorities to consider when establishing and revising stormwater utility fees and other charges and appropriate credits;

(3) information on how to develop an asset management program for a stormwater management system; and

(4) information on how counties, municipalities, and authorities can conduct public education and outreach related to stormwater management.

b. Development of the stormwater utility guidance manual, and any updates thereto, shall not be subject to the requirements and provisions of the “Administrative Procedure Act,” P.L.1968, c.410 (C. 52:14B-1 et seq.).

L.2019, c.42, s.16.