The investigation and restoration of injured natural
resources are part of the regulatory standards applicable to the remediation
of contaminated sites in New Jersey (see Technical
Requirements for Site Remediation N.J.A.C 7:26E). Therefore, all
of the site information needed to assess and restore natural resource
injuries will be generated as part of the site characterization process
described in N.J.A.C 7:26E.
As a result, the site remediation information, normally
used to characterize a contaminated site, is also used to assess and
restore natural resource injuries. Therefore, there is generally no
need for additional sampling/studies. Natural resource injuries fall
into two general categories: ecological injury, which involves federal
co-trustees, and ground water injury, which is the sole responsibility
of the State.
Natural
Resource Restoration