If a local unit files a claim pursuant to section 12 of P.L.1976, c.141 (C. 58:10-23.11k) seeking to recover cleanup, removal and related costs incurred as a result of an emergency response action, including costs related to the prevention, containment, or mitigation of a discharge, the administrator shall approve or deny the claim for reimbursable costs incurred pursuant to an emergency response action, without regard to the requirements of sections 13, 14, or 15 of P.L.1976, c.141, within 120 days of the filing of a completed claim, including all supportive information or documentation required by the administrator; provided, however, that the local unit shall obtain the approval of the department prior to initiating cleanup or removal, including prevention, containment or mitigation, activities. If the administrator fails to approve, in whole or in part, or deny the claim within the 120-day period, all costs in the claim shall be deemed approved. If the administrator denies the claim or approves only part of the costs claimed, the local unit shall not be precluded from seeking recovery of the costs denied by the administrator under any other provision of statutory law or in accordance with any remedies available under the common law.

L.1991,c.85,s.1.