Terms & Definitions

A storage tank located on the ground surface. Subject to SPCC (Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure) regulations if storing oil.

The current ASTM International standard practice for Environmental Site Assessments (Phase I). This standard defines the scope and methodology for identifying recognized environmental conditions during commercial real estate transactions.

Voluntary cleanup programs administered by state agencies (NYSDEC in New York, NJDEP in New Jersey) that provide liability protection, tax credits, and regulatory oversight for brownfield remediation.

The ability of soil or rock to support structural loads without excessive settlement or shear failure. Determined through geotechnical investigation and analysis.

Real property where expansion, redevelopment, or reuse may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of hazardous substances, pollutants, contaminants, or petroleum products.

State and federal tax incentives available for qualified environmental remediation expenses at brownfield sites. New Jersey and New York both offer significant credits for eligible projects.

Community Air Monitoring Plan. A real-time air monitoring program required during remediation activities to protect nearby residents and workers from exposure to airborne contaminants.

An institutional control in New Jersey designating an area of groundwater that does not meet applicable standards. Restricts groundwater use and requires long-term monitoring.

A recognized environmental condition resulting from a past release that has been addressed but with residual contamination remaining in place, subject to controls such as activity and use limitations.

An institutional control recorded on a property deed that provides notice of residual contamination and any restrictions on property use. Required when contamination remains above unrestricted use standards.

A zoning map designation in New York City that identifies sites where environmental requirements must be met before development. Properties with E-Designations require environmental investigations and potential remediation before construction permits are issued.

A vendor providing environmental database reports used in Phase I ESAs. Compiles federal, state, and local environmental records for property locations.

Subsurface investigation to characterize soil and rock conditions for foundation design, slope stability, and construction planning. Includes test borings, sampling, and laboratory testing.

Technology for capturing, storing, analyzing, and displaying spatial data. Used in environmental consulting for site mapping, contamination visualization, and regulatory research.

A past release of hazardous substances or petroleum products that has been addressed to the satisfaction of the applicable regulatory authority or meets unrestricted use criteria.

Industrial Site Recovery Act. New Jersey law requiring environmental investigation and cleanup of industrial establishments upon closure, transfer, or cessation of operations.

Licensed Site Remediation Professional. A New Jersey-licensed environmental professional authorized to oversee and approve site investigation and remediation activities under the Site Remediation Reform Act (SRRA).

A well installed to collect groundwater samples and measure water levels. Used to characterize contamination extent, monitor plume migration, and verify remediation effectiveness.

Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System permit required under the Clean Water Act. Regulates stormwater discharges from municipal storm drain systems to protect water quality.

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. The state agency responsible for environmental regulation, permitting, and enforcement in New Jersey.

New York City Voluntary Cleanup Program administered by OER. Provides liability protection and tax incentives for properties enrolled and remediated under the program.

New York City's Office of Environmental Remediation within the Mayor's Office. Oversees the NYC Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP) and E-Designation program for brownfield properties requiring environmental cleanup.

A class of chemicals formed during incomplete combustion of organic materials. Common in urban fill, former manufactured gas plant sites, and petroleum-impacted properties.

Synthetic chemicals formerly used in electrical equipment, hydraulic fluids, and building materials. Regulated as hazardous substances due to persistence and toxicity.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. A group of manufactured chemicals used in various industrial and consumer products. Known as 'forever chemicals' due to their environmental persistence. Subject to increasingly stringent regulation.

Phase I Environmental Site Assessment per ASTM E1527-21. A records review, site reconnaissance, and interview-based investigation to identify recognized environmental conditions (RECs) on a property prior to acquisition or refinancing.

Phase II Environmental Site Assessment involving subsurface investigation including soil, groundwater, and soil vapor sampling to evaluate recognized environmental conditions identified in a Phase I ESA.

Response Action Outcome. The formal document issued by an LSRP in New Jersey certifying that a site has been remediated to applicable standards and no further action is required.

Remedial Action Work Plan. A detailed document outlining the proposed remediation approach, technologies, schedule, and performance standards for cleaning up a contaminated site.

The presence or likely presence of hazardous substances or petroleum products in, on, or at a property due to release to the environment, under conditions indicative of a release, or under conditions that pose a material threat of a future release.

A field test during soil boring that measures soil resistance. The blow count (N-value) indicates soil density and strength for foundation design.

Site Remediation Program. NJDEP's program overseeing the investigation and cleanup of contaminated sites in New Jersey under LSRP oversight.

An active vapor mitigation system that creates negative pressure beneath a building's foundation to prevent vapor intrusion. Uses fans and piping to exhaust subsurface vapors to the atmosphere.

Organic compounds that evaporate more slowly than VOCs. Include PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) from petroleum and combustion sources.

Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan. A site-specific document required under the Clean Water Act that describes the measures a construction site or industrial facility will implement to prevent stormwater pollution.

A tank with at least 10% of its volume underground, typically used for petroleum storage. Subject to federal and state regulations for installation, operation, and closure.

The migration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from contaminated soil or groundwater into overlying buildings through cracks, utility conduits, or permeable materials. A significant pathway for human exposure requiring assessment and mitigation.

Organic chemicals that evaporate easily at room temperature. Common groundwater and soil contaminants from industrial solvents, petroleum products, and dry cleaning operations.