Newport Redevelopment, Jersey City
Client:

Contact: 		Jersey City Redevelopment Agency
Robert Antonicello

Relevant Project Features:
  • Brownfields Redevelopment
  • Remedial Investigation/Remedial Alternatives Analysis Study (RI/RAA)
  • Human Health Risk Assessment
  • Ecological Assessment
  • Construction Oversight
  • Air Monitoring During Construction
    		•

          A RI/RAA was conducted by Dresdner Robin for a mixed-use, planned redevelopment of a 200- acre parcel along the Hudson River. The proposed reuse of the parcel was for 9,000 housing units, 1,000,000 s.f. of regional shopping and 4,000,000 s.f. of office space. Located along the Hudson River, the project was subject to regulatory review by a number of Federal, Interstate, State and Local agencies. The major issues revolved around soil and groundwater conditions resulting from past industrial and transportation uses. The RI was approved by NJDEP and its findings were the basis for a Remedial Action Work Plan, which was also approved by NJDEP.

          The contaminants identified in the soils were volatile organic compounds (VOCs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and lead. Concern was expressed over the potential for construction activities to release these contaminants into the atmosphere and surface water, thereby creating possible health effects and/or degrading environmental quality. An ecological assessment was performed which included compiling data on aquatic life in the Hudson River and assessing the potential for site groundwater contamination to impact the Hudson River. It was determined that contaminants were present in site groundwater with the potential to impact aquatic species in the Hudson River. A human health risk assessment was performed to evaluate potential health effects resulting from construction of the major infrastructure for the project. The findings of the risk assessment were used to develop a remedial approach.


          Dresdner Robin prepared a remedial plan that correlated specific construction activities with the potential release of these contaminants, identified levels of mitigation and protection to minimize contaminant migration or release, and detailed a monitoring plan for air quality, soils and water. Further, threshold criteria were established and feedback loops were developed so that monitored results could be used to determine the efficiency of existing mitigation. For most of the site, it was determined that remediation using capping and isolation techniques combined with health and safety monitoring during construction would be satisfactory. Special remediation measures were developed for areas where coal tar residues or oily soil were encountered. NJDEP's approval of the plan allowed construction to proceed.

          Dresdner Robin has been responsible for oversight of all construction activities to ensure compliance with the Remedial Plan. Oversight included review of construction documents, air quality monitoring for PM-10 particulates, PAH and lead water quality monitoring, monitoring of excavated soils for contamination, overseeing the implementation of all required remedial measures, and coordination with NJDEP.