Elizabeth, New Jersey

Project at a Glance:

• Brownfields site restoration at abandoned asphalt roofing manufacturing facility.
• “Text-book” case of recently passed NJ Brownfields legislation in action.
• Client will receive over 75% of the cost of the remediation in the form of tax incentives, grants, and other state-funded programs.

This project in Elizabeth, New Jersey promises to become a text-book case of how the New Jersey “Brownfields Law” can foster redevelopment of old, abandoned, and under-utilized properties.

Whitman quickly conducted preliminary environmental investigations of the site to determine the potential magnitude of the environmental issues. Areas of concern identified were typical of a Brownfield property:

• USTs
• ACM
• Soil and ground water contamination

After the client conducted its due diligence, Whitman met with NJDEP before the property was acquired to discuss environmental concerns, the redevelopment schedule, and to get the agency’s assistance in facilitating its regulatory approvals.

The developers entered into a Redevelopment Agreement with the NJ Division of Taxation to take full advantage of cost recovery options provided by the Brownfields legislation.

Whitman also worked with the developers, their attorney, and NJDEP to ensure that the client qualified for Innocent Purchaser liability protections afforded by NJDEP under the new legislation.

A comprehensive asbestos survey and subsequent abatement were necessary before any demolition activities could be initiated. Whitman developed the Scope of Work and managed the asbestos removal and building demolition.

Following the demolition activities, Whitman continued its investigation and remedial action of environmental issues at the site, including:

• Underground storage tank removal(s)
• Contaminated soil removal
• Ground water investigation

Future activities Whitman will conduct include:

• Soil remediation, ground water delineation, and remediation by natural attenuation
• Obtain No Further Action from NJDEP

Demolition of on-site buildings. Developers plan to build a hotel on the site. Construction began in the spring of 2000.