[EXTERNAL]: Underground Storage Tank Subsurface Evaluator Certification Examination Questionnaire available

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (Department) is evaluating offering opportunities for licensing individuals and firms for unregulated heating oil tanks subsurface evaluation in a manner which benefits both the Department and the individuals/firms who are interested in obtaining this license. Please review the information below and complete the 3-minute survey at the end. This information will help direct the Department in this evaluation.

What a Subsurface Evaluator (SSE) is licensed to do [N.J.A.C. 7:14B-16.3(b)5]

Subsurface evaluation of unregulated heating oil tank systems includes all activities regarding site investigation, remedial investigation, and remedial action, and/or the evaluation for selection of release detection monitoring systems, as follows:

1. For site investigation, remedial investigation and/or remedial action, subsurface evaluation activities required pursuant to the Technical Requirements for Site Remediation, N.J.A.C. 7:26E, inspecting the excavation for contamination, performing (or overseeing) necessary field screening tests, selecting soil and ground water sampling locations, and submitting or reviewing of the report(s) required under NJAC 7:26E;
2. Site investigation, remedial investigation and/or remedial action activities include, but are not limited to, the development, implementation, or review of soil and/or ground water sampling plans, Quality Assurance/Quality Control plans, and health and safety plans; overseeing field screening activities; determining the horizontal and vertical extent of contamination; assessing the actual or potential effect of a discharge on receptors; determining appropriate remedial activities for soil and/or ground water contamination; the submittal or review of appropriate site investigation, remedial investigation and or remedial action reports; and recommendations for no further action;
3. Release detection monitoring system selection activities include selecting locations for soil borings, characterizing soils, and determining soil permeability and depth to ground water as may be applicable;

Subsurface evaluation of unregulated heating oil tank systems activities do not include:

1. The design or installation of any treatment works necessary to perform the remedial action, which is the purview of a licensed professional engineer;
2. The taking of any soil or ground water samples for laboratory analyses once a person certified in subsurface evaluation has determined, through on-site observation, the appropriate sample locations; however, the subsurface evaluator shall have knowledge of proper sampling and analytical protocols; and
3. The performance of well drilling or pump installation services, which shall be performed pursuant to N.J.S.A. 58:4A-11.

To be Eligible for the Subsurface Evaluator License:

1. Complete the DEP application and pay the $50 application fee.
2. Provide a copy of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in a natural, physical, or chemical science or appropriate engineering discipline.
3. Provide a list of experience working under an SSE or Licensed Site Remediation Professional (LSRP) for: Five (5) projects per year for two consecutive years [work cannot be more than three (3) years old] 25 projects within nine (9) months (work cannot be more than one year old)
4. Provide documentation of completion of a health and safety class (OSHA 40 hour or 8-hour refresher)

Once the application process is competed the individual may sit for the exam. Upon successful competition of the exam, the Department will issue the individual the passing certificate and the appropriate license fee ($375 for initial & $30 for adding a category to an effective license).

Additionally, initial applicants will be required to take the recertification class within the first year of being licensed.

If you or members of your staff are interested in obtaining the subsurface evaluation license, please complete the survey by September 30. The survey consists of only five (5) questions and takes two or three minutes to complete. The survey can be found at https://rutgers.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9ymHtMhyrLHMdIG.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2020, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is dedicated to protecting New Jersey's environment and public health. The agency prioritizes addressing climate change, protecting New Jersey's water, revitalizing its communities and managing and promoting its natural and historic resources.

For the most recent information about the DEP, follow its Twitter feed at @NewJerseyDEP or visit www.nj.gov/dep.