SITE REMEDIATION - GIS ANALYSIS,
NORTHERN NEW JERSEY

A simple hydrocarbon spill initiated the concern at this site in northeastern New Jersey.

Several consulting firms had conducted investigations for the client, but when additional contaminants were found which appeared unrelated to the initial spill, the investigatory scope of the project quickly spun out of control. LBG was retained to assist the owner in getting the project back on track, and to determine how and why the additional contaminants were present.

LBG used a GIS to synthesize the environmental sampling which had been conducted at the site by various consultants and agencies over a period of 10 years. We then completed an analysis to establish past historical uses and environmental conditions at the property over the past 75 years. This analysis used spatial digital environmental information available from state and federal agencies. The data included the locations and characteristics of present and former wetland areas, surface-water bodies, off-site contamination sources, and a former wastewater treatment facility in proximity of the site.

Historical aerial photographs obtained from flyovers over the past 45 years were digitally georeferenced to the site map. These photographs clearly showed the presence and location of former wastewater disposal beds which had been removed from the site more than 30 years prior to the discovery of contamination. The beds were constructed on former wetland areas which were filled in prior to construction. By overlaying the sample locations with the extent of fill, the spatial distribution of relevant contaminants was more readily understood.

This analysis was used by the site owner to support an application for a "Historic Fill" designation by the state regulatory agency. This designation recognizes the common presence of these materials in New Jersey, and allows the owner to limit cleanup only to those areas of reasonable concern. The data was provided to the state agency in digital format, facilitating their review. This analysis was completed by leveraging the value of existing and available data, avoiding the need for additional extensive investigation.

For additional information about our GIS services, see our GIS Services page, call us at (800) 818-8LBG, or send e-mail to gis@lbgweb.com