Findings, declarations, determinations

1. The Legislature finds and declares that to enhance and improve the quality of the environment and to protect and foster the public health of the citizens of New Jersey it is altogether fitting and proper to allow private entities who, pursuant to law, have applied for a permit for the purpose of constructing, installing, maintaining or operating pollution control equipment or devices or for the purpose of implementing pollution prevention process modifications to commence with that construction, installation, maintenance or operation or to implement those modifications while the Department of Environmental Protection is reviewing the permit application; and that authorizing such pre-approval actions will lead to the environmental benefits that would result from the timely construction, installation, maintenance and operation of pollution control equipment or devices and the prompt implementation of pollution prevention process modifications. The Legislature therefore determines that it is within the public interest to allow private entities who have applied for permits to construct, install, maintain or operate pollution control equipment or devices or for permits to implement pollution prevention process modifications to undertake such construction, installation, maintenance or operation or to implement such process modifications while the department is reviewing their permit application, but with the clear and full understanding that they assume all risks for their actions.