§ 58:4-10 — Hearing on petition; fixing low-water mark; maintenance expenses

58:4-10. When a petition has been filed protesting against the removal of any reservoir, water or dam or against the decommissioning of any reservoir or dam as provided in R.S.58:4-9, the commissioner shall hold a public hearing, upon 30 days' notice to all parties interested, and following prior notice published 30 days before the hearing in at least one newspaper of general circulation in the municipality in which the reservoir or dam is located. Following this public hearing, the commissioner may make a determination concerning the removal of the reservoir, water or dam or decommissioning of the reservoir or dam and may then establish and fix a permanent low-water mark. Should it appear that the maintenance of the reservoir or dam would be an undue burden upon the owner thereof, the commissioner shall enter into negotiations with the landowners interested around the reservoir or above the dam, the governing body of the municipality in which the reservoir or dam is located, and any other parties to the petition filed with the commissioner protesting against the removal of the reservoir, water or dam or the decommissioning of the reservoir or dam, for the purpose of determining how and by whom the expenses of maintenance shall be paid. Amended 1981,c.249,s.11; 1994,c.84,s.3.