In 2012, the Utility and Transportation Contractors Association of New Jersey (UTCA) initiated legislation in the New Jersey Legislature that focused on resolving contaminated soil issues on construction projects. The legislative initiative was introduced in the New Jersey Legislature by Sen. Christopher “Kip” Bateman.
The purpose of the legislation was to reduce the legal and financial exposure to contractors when they excavate at construction sites and the material to be removed tests as contaminated. In the past, such situations led to delays at the site, costly claims and disputes as many owners of the site would not accept responsibility for the material.
The new law, P.L. 2012, C73, provides that soil conditions must be shared with bidders up front and that contractors be compensated when contaminated soil is encountered and is to be removed from the construction site. This new law will have a major positive impact for contractors.
UTCA includes 1,000 member firms active in road, bridge, utility, marine and hazardous remediation construction throughout the metropolitan area.
