Legislative findings and declarations

The Legislature hereby finds and declares to be the public policy of this State: That the collection, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of solid waste are critical components of the economic structure of this State and, when properly controlled and regulated, make substantial contributions to the general welfare, health and prosperity of the State and its inhabitants by minimizing the serious health and environmental threats inherent in the management of these wastes; That the regulatory provisions of this act are designed to extend strict State regulation to those persons involved in the operations of these licensed activities so as to foster and justify the public confidence and trust in the credibility and integrity of the conduct of these activities; That the solid and hazardous waste industries in New Jersey can attain, maintain, and retain integrity, public confidence, and trust, and promote the general public interest, only under a system of control and regulation that precludes the participation therein of persons with known criminal records, habits, or associations, and excludes or removes from any position of authority or responsibility any person known to be so deficient in reliability, expertise, or competence with specific reference to the solid or hazardous waste industries that his participation would create or enhance the dangers of unsound, unfair, or illegal practices, methods, and activities in the conduct of the business of these industries; That, notwithstanding the fact that the major percentage of operators involved in these industries are respectable and responsible and that there exists in New Jersey a substantial waste industry capable of meeting the licensing standards, the solid and hazardous waste industries remain vulnerable to corrupting influences; and Therefore, that it is vital to the interests of the State to prevent entry, direct or indirect, into the operations of the solid or hazardous waste industries of persons who have pursued economic gains in an occupational manner or context violative of the criminal code or civil public policies of the State, and it is to the end of excluding such persons that the regulatory and investigatory powers and duties provided in this supplementary act shall be exercised to the fullest extent consistent with law. L.1983, c. 392, s. 1.