ASSEMBLY PASSES McKEON MEASURE TO EXPEDITE CLEAN-UP OF MORE THAN 20,000 TOXIC AND CONTAMINATED SITES IN N.J.

ASSEMBLY PASSES McKEON MEASURE TO EXPEDITE CLEAN-UP OF MORE THAN 20,000 TOXIC AND CONTAMINATED SITES IN N.J. THAT POSE THREAT TO PUBLIC HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT

McKEON: MEASURE WOULD REFORM DEEPLY FLAWED SITE REMEDIATION

(TRENTON) - The Assembly today passed legislation Assemblyman John F. McKeon sponsored to expedite the clean-up of toxic and contaminated sites in New Jersey that pose a threat to public health and the environment.

"The current system for site remediation is deeply flawed as demonstrated by the massive backlogs, long bureaucratic delays and the lack of screening of consultants that work on site remediation," said McKeon (D-West Orange), the Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee chairman.

"Toxic and contaminated sites are a threat to public health and the environment and lock up precious land resources. This measure is a significant effort to reform the clean-up of more than 20,000 contaminated sites in New Jersey," McKeon added

The measure (A-2962) would establish a new 13-member licensing board in, but not of, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), that would be empowered to certify License Site Remediation Professionals (LSRPs) to work on site remediation cases. The legislation would give the new licensing board the power to approve the work of the LSRPs. The DEP would continue direct oversight of the most hazardous cases.

Asst. DEP Commissioner Irene Kropp, who has been involved in the development of the site remediation program, said it was crucial to the environment and the economy.

"The DEP began this reform initiative over two years ago when we realized that critical change was needed to fix the site remediation program," Kropp said. "Something had to be done to fix the serious problems with system. This measure does that."

In addition to addressing a myriad of environmental concerns, the program would also serve as an important economic engine by speeding up the transformation of idle properties into productive uses that generate new tax ratables.

The legislation includes additional safeguards such as the tightening of DEP guidelines and regulations when the development is planned for a school, child care facility or residential housing

"For the first time in our state, there would be a review and screening process to ensure that environmental consultants selected to work on site remediation are qualified professionals held to high standards," McKeon said. "The License Site Remediation Professionals Program would provide the DEP with an incredible force of professionals qualified to help clean-up New Jersey without incurring the cost of additional state hiring."

"It has taken over two years of tireless effort for this measure to evolve to what it is now - a significant reform initiative to reduce the backlog of contaminated sites in New Jersey and empower the DEP to enforce higher standards for its oversight of clean-up," said McKeon (D-Essex). "This measure is good for the economy. It is important for the environment and for public health. "

The Assembly passed the measure with a vote of 75 to 2 with two abstentions. It is also scheduled to be voted on by the Senate today.

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Contact:
Assemblyman John F. McKeon
(973) 275-1113
Gita Bajaj
(973) 224-4851 Cellular