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DEP Approves First Action under Cleanup Star Program
Program Created to Speed Remedial Work at Contaminated Sites
(04/31) TRENTON --- Department
of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bradley M.
Campbell today announced approval of the first cleanup completed
under the new Cleanup Star program that is designed to expedite
remedial work at contaminated sites in the state.
"This first case under the Cleanup
Star program allowed testing and all the necessary cleanup
work at a low-risk site to move quickly so that it can be
put to full productive use," said Assistant Commissioner
Joe Seebode. "The Cleanup Star program is a prime example
of how we are streamlining and creating smarter programs
to both protect the environment and support economic growth."
In February, DEP formally designated 243
environmental professionals representing 103 companies as
Cleanup Stars to work with developers and responsible parties
to expedite site cleanups and redevelopment.
In the case announced today, 15 tons of
contaminated soil were removed from Resolution Packaging
in Montville Township, Morris County and taken to a licensed
recycling facility for treatment. A faulty furnace valve
resulted in a spill of Number 2 heating oil in late December
2003. The spill migrated to the soil outside a furnace room
at the facility, but did not impact ground water.
Michael Brogan of Penn Jersey Environmental
Consulting, Inc., submitted a Remedial Investigation/Action
report to DEP on March 22, 2004 under the Cleanup Star program.
DEP issued a No Further Action determination on March 29,
2004 documenting completion of remedial activities at the
site.
The owner was negotiating the sale of the
property when the spill occurred. The Cleanup Star program
allowed this low environmental risk case to move forward
resulting in a second No Further Action determination, which
will help expedite the property sale.
The Cleanup Star program is designed to
achieve three main goals: facilitate remediation of low-risk
sites; allow DEP case managers to concentrate on high priority
cases; and, upgrade the quality of the environmental consulting
profession. DEP will audit consultants' work to ensure regulatory
compliance.
The Cleanup Star program allows designated
consultants to oversee and fully manage investigation and
cleanup work normally performed by a limited number of DEP
project managers. DEP staff will provide expedited reviews
of remedial reports for these Cleanup Star sites. The investigation
and cleanup of Cleanup Star sites must be completed in full
compliance with DEP's technical requirements for site remediation
governing all phases of the remedial process.
To spur redevelopment, the Cleanup Star
program will allow uncontaminated or slightly contaminated
property to move quickly through the DEP remedial process,
allowing the properties to be sold or reused for new purposes.
Also, DEP case managers will have more time to focus on
sites with greater environmental or public health concerns
by relying on consultants in the Cleanup Star program to
use their expertise at the least contaminated sites.
DEP anticipates that homeowner underground
heating oil storage tank cases, brownfield sites on which
there is no trigger for investigation of ground water contamination,
discrete spills where a discharger is pursuing final cleanup
approval are the types that may be eligible to proceed through
the Cleanup Star program.
Cleanup Star environmental professionals
must hold a bachelor's degree or higher in a physical, chemical
or natural science or related engineering discipline. Applicants
must demonstrate five years of continuous, full-time experience
in the field of hazardous substance remediation and continuous
experience in New Jersey employing the state's Technical
Requirements for Site Remediation during the past five years.
Cleanup Star applicants also must possess a third-party
certification recognized by DEP, and meet additional published
criteria.
A list of pre-qualified environmental professionals
is on DEP's web site for individuals seeking the services
of a Cleanup Star.
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