Studies & Compliance

In May 2009 the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) signed into law the New Jersey Site Remediation Act (SRRA). This Act significantly changed the Site Remediation Program by establishing a Licensed Site Remediation Professional- LSRP Program. The NJDEP initially issued Temporary LSRP Licenses based on education and experience. Permanent LSRP licenses began to be issued after the NJDEP established a written exam for temporary license holders and future applicants, the first exam having been held on May 14, 2012.

Under SRRA, the NJDEP no longer oversees sight remediation. Most important, responses from the NJDEP are no longer pediments to the project moving forward, eliminating extensive delays in finishing a project. Instead, LSRP’s are responsible for managing the day to day operations of remediation sites while maintaining a strict code of ethics and complying with a multitude of guidance manuals. The LSRP’s professional judgment is used in accordance with the applicable environmental regulations and guidance manuals for remedial decisions at the property. The LSRP and property owner take on the obligation to restore and maintain conditions to the protective of public health and safety and the environment under the law.

Regulations are in full effect on May 7, 1012 and requires all owners or operators of contaminated site (Responsible Parties) to hire a private LSRP by that date to conduct the remediation and ultimately issue a RESPONSE ACTION OUTCOME (RAO) i.e., upon completion of the remediation/project. RAO’s replace the NO FURTHER ACTION LETTERS (NFA’s) which were formerly issued. Letters from the NJDEP have been going out reminding or directing Responsible Parties of the need to hire an LSRP. Failure to hire an LSRP and proceed with studies will result in NJDEP issuing steep fines to the RP.

As of May 7, 2014, the remediation investigation must be completed for all contaminated sites where either an incident was reported to the NJDEP Hotline or remediation should have been initiated on or before May 7, 1999. Otherwise, the site will become subject to direct oversight by NJDEP, a situation where the remediation action is not under control of the Responsible Party or the LSRP, direct oversight costs will be incurred and fines may be imposed.