Effective September 18, 2017, new soil remediation standards govern the cleanup of contaminated sites in New Jersey.  The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (“NJDEP”) recently updated remedial standards for nineteen contaminants based on the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s revisions to carcinogenic slope factor and non-carcinogenic reference dose data in its Integrated Risk Information System.

In sum, eleven contaminants now have less stringent cleanup standards, while standards for six others have become more stringent.  Cleanup standards for 1,1,2,2 tetrachloroethane remain the same, and thallium is no longer regulated by the NJDEP.  The NJDEP’s Notice of Administrative Change can be found here and the current remediation standards of N.J.A.C. 7:26D here.

Of particular note for responsible parties, contaminated site owners, and Licensed Site Remediation Professionals are the updates to residential and non-residential remedial standards for benzo(a)pyrene, for tetrachloroethene (“PCE”), and trichloroethene (“TCE”).  Remedial standards for benzo(a)pyrene, oft found in State soils, and PCE, a common contaminant at dry cleaning sites, have been increased, while standards for TCE, a degraded byproduct of PCE, have slightly decreased.  These changes are important for parties conducting cleanups, as they may have an appreciable impact on the remedial strategy employed at contaminated sites.

Lieberman Blecher & Sinkevich P.C. attorneys are experienced in assisting parties remediate contaminated properties.  Please contact our office to discuss how we can help you ensure your property remains compliant.