Historic Fill Sampling for Child Care Centers

Many urban and low elevation areas in New Jersey have been mapped by the New Jersey Geological Survey as having historic fill.  Fill material often contains metals, semi-volatile compounds and petroleum hydrocarbons.

The first step is to confirm if mapped historic fill is actually present.  This is generally accomplished via drilling small diameter holes in various areas of the property.  If fill is present, at least two samples are collected and laboratory analyzed for contaminants.

If concentrations are below New Jersey standards, nothing more needs to be done.  If contaminated, an institutional control (i.e. Deed Notice) and engineering control (e.g. asphalt cover) are required.  In most cases a play area and child care center can be constructed if a presumptive remedy is implemented.  A presumptive remedy generally consists of impervious materials over a sufficient thickness of clean fill material to preclude exposure.

The NJDEP’s Guidance Document on Historic Fill can be found HERE