WQMP Legislation Signed

On January 17 Gov. Chris Christie signed critical Water Quality Management Planning legislation. 

The WQMP legislation is necessary to provide some certainty and relief to property owners and the public in this period of very slow economic recovery. The WQMP legislation will maintain sewer service areas, protect financial investments in infrastructure, uphold environmental standards and restore certainty to landowners and towns, as a comprehensive statewide approach to the treatment of wastewater is thoughtfully developed and implemented. Read the WQMP Legislation as passed.

Public Hearings Scheduled on State Strategic Plan 

The State Planning Commission has scheduled a series of public hearings on the Christie Administration's State Strategic Plan. Find the schedule and locations here.

On January 6, Governor Christie signed the Grow New Jersey Incentive bill.  The program will provide up to $50,000 per new or retained full-time job, with a possible bonus award of up to $30,000 per job, for a total stipend of up to $80,000 per job. To qualify, a business must: make at least $20 million in capital investment at the business facility, which may include site preparation, machinery, equipment & furnishings as well as any "acquired" capital investment made by the former owner (if facility is purchased) or by the landlord (if facility is leased); and employ at least 100 new or retained (existing in NJ) full-time employees at the business facility. Other conditions apply (read the bill). Learn more about Grow New Jersey and the future of incentive programs at our March Public Policy Symposium (details and date to be announced soon).

Site Remediation Surprises 

Most people who are involved with remediating contaminated properties in New Jersey have heard something about the “new” Licensed Site Remediation (LSRP) program.  The program, arising out of the 2009 Site Remediation Reform Act, completely restructures how contaminated sites will be remediated.  The key component of the new program is the “Licensed Site Remediation Professional”, an individual licensed by the State to perform remedial site work and closeout of sites without requiring the approval of the NJDEP.  This will allow sites to move more efficiently through the site remediation process by investing the LSRP with significant decision making authority without the oversight or approval of the NJDEP!  There are many advantages in the law which will result in more efficient, cost effective cleanups.

As profound as this program is, it is thought that many remediating parties are still not aware of some of the very significant mandates embedded in the law and how it bears on them.  For instance, irrespective of when a remediation started, as of May 2012, ALL site remediation cases (except unregulated heating oil tanks) will require that an LSRP be employed to direct and implement the remediation of contaminated properties.  This is an absolute requirement.  The NJDEP estimates that there are over 6,000 cases which have not designated an LSRP.  Since there are only 515 LSRPs at last count, the Gold Rush is about to begin!

Another issue flying under the radar screen is the rapidly approaching Mandatory Timeframes for certain types of remedial issues or requirements.  Again, this is an ABSOLUTE deadline set for March 1, 2012 and pertains to ALL sites, not just those who have “opted in” to the LSRP program prior to the May 2012 deadline.  Read the entire article by By Jorge Berkowitz, Ph.D., LSRP, Senior Associate and Vice President Langan Engineering & Environmental Services. Learn more from Jorge and a group of experts at the February 17 LSRP Update & Roundtables with Industry Experts.  Register

New ADA Standards Will be in Force March 15

After March 15, 2012, new construction and alterations are required to comply with the 2010 ADA Standards. BOMA's new Guide to the 2010 ADA Standards contains the information you need to be in compliance with the new regulations. 

• February 17 LSRP Update & Roundtables with Industry Experts: CEUs Pending
• March 7 Public Policy Symposium
• May 17, 2012 The 25th Annual Commercial Real Estate Awards Gala, The Palace at Somerset Park
• June 14 & 15 2012 NAIOP and NAIOP NJ host I.con The Industrial Conference for Commercial Real Estate, Hyatt Regency Jersey City About I.con
• September 24 2012 NAIOP NJ Golf Classic, Trump National Golf Club