N.J. Cleanup Star Program Completes Its First Year

In its first year of operation, New Jersey’s Cleanup Star program approved 60 remedial projects, according to New Jersey DEP Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell. The program is designed to expedite remedial work at less complex contaminated sites in the state.

“The Cleanup Star program allows testing and cleanup work at a low-risk site to move quickly so that properties can be put to productive use,” said acting Governor Richard J. Codey. “The Cleanup Star consultants help DEP move sites through the remedial process avoiding any delays for developers and other parties.”

Since the inception of the program in 2004, DEP has formally approved 309 environmental professionals representing 127 companies as Cleanup Stars to work with developers and responsible parties to expedite site cleanups and redevelopment.

DEP issued no further action letters for 60 sites that range from cleanups of leaking home heating oil tanks and discreet spills to environmental reviews of properties going through a farmland preservation process.

“DEP holds Cleanup Star consultants to very strict standards for remedial work through a rigorous audit process to ensure that site testing and cleanup work meets state technical requirements,” said Commissioner Campbell. “DEP also requires that Cleanup Star participants follow comprehensive training and professional protocols.”

The Cleanup Star program is designed to achieve three main goals: facilitate remediation of low-risk sites, allow DEP case managers to concentrate on high priority cases and upgrade the quality of the environmental consulting profession.

The Cleanup Star program allows designated consultants to oversee and fully manage investigation and cleanup work normally performed by a limited number of DEP project managers. DEP staff provides expedited reviews of remedial reports for the Cleanup Star sites.

The investigation and cleanup of Cleanup Star sites must be completed in full compliance with DEP’s Technical Requirements for Site Remediation governing all phases of the remedial process. In an effort to expand the Cleanup Star program, DEP is considering ways to allow additional sites into the program.

Remedial investigations and cleanups performed by Cleanup Stars are subject to an auditing program by DEP to ensure full compliance with the state’s technical regulations. Audits can result in DEP assessing penalty points that vary in severity for not following the state’s technical regulations. If a Cleanup Star receives 100 penalty points, they are removed from the program.

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