Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 1 and 2 of this act, the department may issue “certificates of handling” on a case-by-case basis for radioactive materials covered under this act:

a. For compelling reasons involving urgent public policy or national security interests which transcend public health and safety concerns;

b. For research or development activities, medical therapy, or educational purposes which the department determines do not pose significant threats to public health and safety;

c. For the transportation of fresh or non-irradiated nuclear fuel to any nuclear generating facility upon a finding by the department that there is no feasible alternate route or mode of transportation which involves less risk to the public; or

d. For the transportation of spent or irradiated nuclear fuel from any nuclear electricity generating facility upon a finding by the department that there is no feasible alternate route or mode of transportation or method of disposition which involves less risk to the public health and safety; provided, however, that no certificate of handling shall be issued for the transportation of any spent or irradiated nuclear fuel in New Jersey unless the department and the State Police have jointly determined that adequate safety precautions have been taken by the transporter and that adequate emergency response capabilities exist to protect the public during such transportation, and the department has further determined that the shipment of such fuel is secured by a limit of insurance or other form of indemnification, either by law or privately obtained, which is appropriate for the protection of the public in view of the risks associated with such transportation.

L.1983, c. 345, s. 3.