5. The Commissioner of Environmental Protection, pursuant to the “Administrative Procedure Act,” P.L.1968, c.410 (C. 52:14B-1 et seq.), shall adopt regulations to protect the public safety with respect to storm water detention facilities, including those aspects of design and operation of storm water detention facilities that may constitute a threat to the public safety. In adopting the rules and regulations, the commissioner shall, to the maximum extent feasible:

a. Promote site-specific solutions to public safety hazards at storm water detention facilities in keeping with generally accepted storm water management and engineering principles;

b. Deter the general public, especially children, from entering areas where storm water detention facilities are located;

c. Provide guidelines for designing escape aids for individuals who may become trapped in a storm water detention facility;

d. Provide that the declivity of a storm water detention basin be as gradual as possible, but within the limits of existing water quality regulations;

e. Eliminate, where possible, public safety hazards associated with storm water detention facilities.

The commissioner shall also examine the usefulness of trash and safety racks, grates, bar screens and lattices, and fencing, and recommend their use individually or in combination with respect to each type of design for an inlet to an outlet structure of a storm water detention facility.

L.1991,c.194,s.5.