Requires DEP to consider potential impacts to natural resources when classifying dams according to hazard potential.

This bill (S 1601) requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to consider potential impacts on natural resources - including wildlife, fish, habitats, plants, and historic sites - when classifying dams by hazard potential. Currently, dam classifications focus only on potential loss of life and property damage; this bill adds natural resource impacts as a mandatory factor. The DEP must update its classification system under the Safe Dam Act to include these environmental considerations. This change directly affects dam owners who must comply with updated inspection reporting requirements tied to the new classification criteria.