How can you expedite the site-remediation process in New Jersey?  This was one of the key questions posed by the Middlesex County Improvement Authority (MCIA) when they retained Najarian Associates to perform an environmental characterization of a 22.44-acre site located in Milltown, New Jersey.  The Site – formerly occupied by the Michelin Tire Company — is the subject of a redevelopment effort by the MCIA and the Milltown – Ford Avenue Redevelopment Agency, with support from the USEPA Brownfields program.

As a starting point, Najarian Associates completed a Preliminary Site Assessment to provide background information and identify potential Areas of Environmental Concern.  Upon reviewing the Preliminary Assessment Report, the NJDEP designated the Site as a pilot project for the Triad Approach.  The Triad Approach was selected because of its ability to provide the environmental data needed for remedial alternatives analysis with greater resolution and accuracy, and in less time than approaches that are currently in practice. 

The Milltown Project comprises the first full-scale application of the Triad Approach in New Jersey.  Along with Najarian Associates, the Project’s multi-disciplinary team includes scientists and managers from the  USEPA, NJDEP, NJIT, Argonne National Laboratories and S₂C₂ — a full-service real-time on-site laboratory.  Results of this undertaking may set the foundation for future site-remediation projects in New Jersey.

Both a Site Investigation and Conceptual Site Model were completed in December, 2004, based on 9 weeks of intensive sampling at 400 locations.  A report discussing the findings of the environmental investigations will be submitted to NJDEP in June, 2005.  Once approved, remediation and development of the site can be initiated.