4. a. The governing body of any county or municipality may, by resolution or ordinance, as appropriate, establish a stormwater utility for the purposes of acquiring, constructing, improving, maintaining, and operating stormwater management systems in the county or municipality, consistent with State and federal laws, rules, and regulations.

b. Any stormwater utility that is established pursuant to this section shall be considered a “municipal public utility” for the purposes of Title 40A of the New Jersey Statutes. Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, a county or municipality may establish a stormwater utility as a new department within the county or municipality, or as an operation of an existing department or departments having responsibility and control over stormwater management systems or portions thereof.

c. A county or municipality that establishes a stormwater utility pursuant to this section shall submit a copy of the resolution or ordinance adopted pursuant to subsection a. of this section to the Department of Environmental Protection and the Division of Local Government Services in the Department of Community Affairs. The establishment of a stormwater utility pursuant to this section shall not be construed to modify or otherwise affect a county or municipality’s obligations under any New Jersey Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit or any other rule, regulation, order, or permit issued by the department.

L.2019, c.42, s.4.