Winter is here, and with it come unique environmental challenges for your property!
One potential issue to consider if you’re the owner of a property with a Deed Notice and Remedial Action Permit is the integrity of your environmental cap, the physical barrier that protects human health and the environment from contact with a contaminated area.
Impacts of harsh winter weather on caps include:
1. Snow & Ice Accumulation❄️: Snow and/or ice build-up can put weight on the cap and block drainage systems, preventing proper runoff and increasing the risk of infiltration as water can seep through cracks or damaged areas in the cap.
2. Freeze-Thaw Cycles🧊: Repeated freezing and thawing can cause soil and other materials within the cap to expand and contract, leading to cracking, shifting, or settling. The cap’s integrity could be compromised as a result, allowing water or contaminants to penetrate the cap.
3. Vegetation Dormancy🌳: Many caps utilize vegetation to stabilize soil and prevent erosion. During winter, vegetation goes dormant and may not protect the soil effectively, leading to increased erosion or exposure of the cap’s surface.
4. Maintenance Difficulties📋: Cold temperatures and snow cover can make it harder to inspect and maintain caps, allowing minor issues to worsen if not addressed in a timely manner.
5. Snow Removal 🛣️: Snow removal, specifically plowing, can carry some potential issues with cap degradation. Heavy snow and ice combined with plowing can increase the likelihood of asphalt cap damage. Additionally, plowing adjacent to landscaping and grass areas has the potential for cap disruption. Owners should be cognizant that during heavy snow and plowing seasons, asphalt and/or vegetated areas can easily be compromised.
Whitman has over 40 years of experience in both the installation and maintenance of a variety of caps for site remediation projects, in compliance with NJDEP regulations and guidelines.
Jay Tracy, LSRP
Director of Environmental Services
jtracy@whitmanco.com
(732) 390-5858
Posted on January 28, 2026
