Frequently Asked Questions
Site Remediation FAQs
What are the major Site Remediation phases?
The major site remediation phases include:
- Preliminary Assessment (PA)
- Site Investigation (SI)
- Remedial Investigation (RI)
- Remedial Action (RA)
Note that each site remediation phase includes corresponding due dates for NJDEP compliance.
I found contamination on my site; what can you do for me?
We can help you identify and treat challenges at your site, whether it’s air, groundwater, or soil contamination. The first step is to thoroughly identify the source of contamination and delineate its extent. We perform and contract a range of testing methods including soil sampling, air testing and groundwater testing. After, we will draft a remediation plan according to your individual goals. With over 25 years of experience, we will make sure you have all the permits, forms, and applications needed to satisfy NJDEP requirements.
What is the least expensive Site Remediation option?
For contaminants in groundwater, Monitored Natural Attenuation (MNA) is generally the least expensive means of remediating a contaminated site. Paul Sakson Environmental has obtained many Remedial Action Permits from the NJDEP for MNA which has resulted in Restricted Use Response Action Outcome letters, which is a final remediation document.
Are all Site Remediation closure letters the same?
Not all closure letters are the same. Closure letters depend on the contaminant status of your site post-remediation. If all contaminants have been remediated to below NJDEP standards, then you may receive an Unrestricted Use Response Action Outcome. If contaminants exceed standards, a Restricted Use RAO may be issued with the appropriate engineering and institutional controls.
Childcare Center FAQs
What are the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) Requirements?
The NJDOH requires Indoor Environmental Health Assessments (IEHA) to be performed at centers that:
- Were constructed in 1978 or earlier
- Are co-located with potential environmental concerns such as:
- Nail Salons
- Dry Cleaners
- Gas stations
An IEHA includes:
- Radon testing
- Lead paint testing
- Asbestos inspection
- General inspection for potential indoor environmental concerns
IEHAs are submitted to the NJDOH for review. The review generally takes at least 30 days. If satisfactory, the NJDOH will issue a Safe Building Interior Certificate (SBIC).
IEHA cost is largely dependent on site-specific conditions. The average cost ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 for most sites. Sakson can provide a free cost estimate for your specific project. This does not include the NJDOH fee, which is $1,500 for an initial application.
What are the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) requirements for a childcare center?
A Preliminary Assessment (PA) and Report need to be completed in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:26E to satisfy NJDEP requirements. This report includes:
- Environmental due diligence to determine past site use
- Deed search
- Government file search
- Historic file review
- Aerial photographs
- Insurance maps
- Telephone + industrial directories
- Government database review
- Current site inspection
This information is then submitted to the NJDEP in a Preliminary Assessment Report. If no sampling is warranted, a final remediation document (Response Action Outcome, RAO), is issued by the Licensed Site Remediation Professional retained by the childcare center.
When and how do radon samples need to be collected? How much does radon testing cost?
Radon samples must be collected every 5 years, or with the renewal of your childcare license. Samples need to be collected from each frequently occupied room, which includes classrooms and offices, on the lowest level of the center.
Each radon canister costs $30. The amount of canisters your center needs depends on the size and layout of the facility. Our total radon costs include fees for lab analysis as well as travel fees for our radon technicians.
When and how do drinking water samples need to be collected? How much does it cost?
Drinking water must be sampled every 3 years, or with the renewal of your childcare license. Samples are required to be collected from all drinking water faucets and at least 50% of the child care center’s total number of faucets.
Each sample costs $60 for drinking water. Our total costs include lab analysis fees and travel costs for our sampling technicians.
Environmental Site Assessment FAQs
What does a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment include?
Our Phase I includes everything you need to accurately assess the environmental status of your site of interest. This includes a site inspection, thorough research of site history, government reports, and prior ownership and operation. Our report provides you with a comprehensive understanding of any environmental risks that could affect your property’s future transactions.
What are other due diligence options?
Other due diligence options include the Transaction Screen process, an ASTM standard, and a Preliminary Assessment, required for New Jersey environmental compliance.
The Transaction Screen is a lower cost option as compared to a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment but doesn't off the same innocent purchaser defenses.
Completion of a Preliminary Assessment may include the issuance of a Response Acction Outcome by a Licensed Site Remediation Professional (LSRP) and is approximately the same price and level of effort as a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment.
Indoor Environments FAQs
What are key signs/symptoms of bad air quality?
Signs of poor indoor air quality include:
- Musty or unusual smells that persist
- Stale/stuffy air
- Clear lack of air movement
- Excessive humidity
- Dirty HVAC equipment
Common causes behind poor air quality include:
- Poor ventilation/lack of fresh air
- Contaminated air being consistently brought into the building
- Dampness due to plumbing leaks, damage, flooding, or humidity
- Particle board products
- Asbestos (older buildings)
Human symptoms of poor air quality inlcude:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath
- Eye, skin, nose, or throat irritation
- Sinus congestion
- Cough
- Sneezing
What are VOCs?
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are a group of carbon-based chemicals that readily evaporate into the air at room temperature. Common indoor sources include paints, varnishes, cleaning products, air fresheners, adhesives, furniture, carpets, and building materials.
VOCs are a health concern because they can accumulate in indoor environments where ventilation is limited. Exposure to elevated VOC levels may cause short-term symptoms such as eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. Some individuals, including children, older adults, and people with asthma or other respiratory conditions, may be more sensitive to these effects.
Long-term exposure to certain VOCs has been associated with more serious health risks, including damage to the liver, kidneys, and nervous system. Some VOCs, such as benzene and formaldehyde, are classified as known or suspected human carcinogens. Maintaining good ventilation, choosing low-VOC products, and reducing the use of chemical-based household products can help improve indoor air quality and minimize potential health risks.
Sampling by a qualified environmental company can help to identify these VOC risks.
What is formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde is an organic pollutant containing an atom of carbon, and atom of oxygen, and two atoms of hydrogen. While it is present outdoors, indoor concentrations are much higher. Formaldehyde is commonly found in manufactured wood products using certain resins to glue particles together, hair salons, and even your old high school biology lab.
Formaldehyde can cause irritation of the skin, eyes, throat, and nose. Some consider it to be a cancer risk in certain people. While there is a lot of debate over what levels of formaldehyde are considered dangerous, it’s never a bad idea to get your building or residence inspected.
How Can I Find Out More?
Feel free to contact one of our environmental professionals. You may email info@paulsakson.com, or telephone (732) 230-7510 extension 4. Of course, we'd be happy to meet over a video call or at your site.
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