New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has discontinued the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) process as of May 7, 2009, also known as the Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP).  There is no need for the VCP because the Site Remediation Reform Act (SRRA) established an obligation on persons to remediate any discharge for which they would be liable pursuant to the Spill Compensation and Control Act. (Section 30 of SRRA)

SRRA also requires persons conducting a remediation to proceed through the process without waiting for NJDEP approvals, unless otherwise directed.  To assist the Responsible Party with compliance the SRRA, NJDEP created a Licensed Site Remediation Professional (LSRP) Program that will result in licensing LSRP to supervise the day-to-day operations associated with site investigation and cleanups.  In fact, after November 3, 2009 all new remediation cases subject to SRRA must be performed by a LSRP.  All remediation cases, including those now under NJDEP oversight will be phased in and must be supervised by a LSRP after May 7, 2012.

As an alternative to the VCP, NJDEP strongly encourages parties in need of timely approval to also take advantage of the departments Unregulated Heating Oil Tank (UHOT) Program and Cleanup Star Program.  These programs were instituted to reduce delays and assist parties with their remediation projects.  EWMA has Cleanup Star and UHOT certified staff and have personnel who will qualify as LSRPs.  These expedited case closure processes can save you time and money.  Let EWMA take a look at your project to see if it qualifies.  Call now for a confidential evaluation and to discuss how to move your project forward so you will be ready when the LSRP program is formally launched.  (800) 969-3159 or visit our web site www.ewma.com.