Phase I Environmental Site Assessment in Hackensack, NJ
Hackensack’s mix of commercial properties, redevelopment sites, and former industrial uses makes site history an important part of real estate due diligence. A city report identified known contaminated sites within its Opportunity Zone, so buyers, developers, and property owners may need to assess environmental conditions before a purchase or redevelopment project. Resource Renewal supports Hackensack projects through RCC’s ASTM E1527-21 Phase I Environmental Site Assessments and NJDEP Preliminary Assessments when appropriate.
Resource Renewal brings three service tracks together: Phase I ESAs and Preliminary Assessments through RCC; Phase II Site Investigations and Remedial Investigations when findings warrant further study; and remediation and brownfield redevelopment through its affiliated company, DSR. Where required, project teams coordinate with NJDEP and work under LSRP oversight toward regulatory closure and a Response Action Outcome (RAO).
Why Property Owners and Developers in Hackensack, NJ Choose Resource Renewal
Resource Renewal’s headquarters at 10 Lippincott Lane sits within the Resource Renewal Business Park, a completed brownfield redevelopment project. It offers a working example of the approach RCC and DSR can bring to client sites in Hackensack, Bergen County, and North Jersey.
- ASTM E1527-21 Phase I ESAs for Hackensack properties
- NJDEP Preliminary Assessments when applicable
- Historical property use and NJDEP records review
- Phase II Site Investigations when warranted
- Soil and groundwater investigation
- LSRP oversight for applicable NJ remediation cases
- Regulatory closure and RAO support
- Brownfield redevelopment support through DSR
Environmental Context in Hackensack and Bergen County
Industrial and Commercial Heritage
Hackensack’s property history varies across its downtown, riverfront, commercial corridors, and former industrial areas. The city’s Environmental Resource Inventory describes earlier uses that included silk manufacturing, an iron foundry, and ice production. Later land uses include service businesses, storage, and light industry. For a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA), the relevant history is the history of the specific parcel and its neighbors, not a citywide assumption about contamination.
Current Environmental Profile
A city-commissioned analysis for Hackensack’s Life Science Opportunity Zone identified 13 known contaminated sites within that census tract at the time of its study. It also noted historic fill, groundwater Classification Exception Areas, and deed notices on some properties in or around the study area. That dated figure applies to the tract, not all of Hackensack, and it should not be used as a current citywide count. Separately, EPA is investigating the Lower Hackensack River Superfund site, including a river segment near Hackensack. Neither finding establishes contamination on an individual property without a site-specific review.
Real Estate and Development Market
Hackensack lists redevelopment plans for properties along Main Street, River Street, Essex Street, and other corridors. The city’s Life Science Opportunity Zone analysis shows how environmental conditions and flooding can affect redevelopment costs and design in one part of the city. These issues may matter to a buyer assessing financing, construction, or a change in property use, but each parcel needs its own records review before a project team can determine whether investigation or cleanup is needed.
Local Regulators, Authorities, and Stakeholders
The relevant agencies depend on the location and proposed work. NJDEP maintains site remediation records used in due diligence, and an LSRP may oversee investigation and cleanup when a case falls under New Jersey’s site remediation process. A development proposal may also require review under Hackensack’s planning and redevelopment procedures. Riverfront work, flood-related construction, or disturbance of regulated resources can involve additional state or federal review, depending on the project.
Why This Local Context Matters for Your Project
A Hackensack Phase I ESA should connect historical maps and past occupants with current NJDEP records, nearby sites, and observations from the property visit. Former industrial activity, tanks, historic fill, groundwater restrictions, or proximity to a documented case may warrant closer review, but their significance must be established for the parcel. RCC can use those findings to help a buyer or developer decide whether an NJDEP Preliminary Assessment, targeted Phase II sampling, or remediation planning is appropriate.
Environmental Services Available to Hackensack, NJ Projects
For Hackensack properties, Resource Renewal offers two connected service tracks. Investigation & Compliance covers environmental due diligence for transactions and financing, site investigation, and regulatory closure documentation. Remediation & Redevelopment covers physical cleanup, environmental liability transfer where appropriate, and the reuse of impaired real estate. Together, RCC and DSR can support a project from pre-acquisition assessment through remediation, regulatory closure, and redevelopment.
Phase I Environmental Site Assessment
ASTM E1527-21 due diligence for Hackensack and Bergen County properties, with an NJDEP Preliminary Assessment when the project calls for one.
Phase II Environmental Site Assessment
Targeted soil, groundwater, or vapor sampling when Phase I findings identify conditions that warrant further investigation.
Site Investigation
Site characterization, soil and groundwater investigation, and vapor assessment tailored to documented areas of concern.
Environmental Remediation
Remedial planning, soil or groundwater cleanup, and ongoing monitoring based on site conditions and applicable requirements.
Regulatory Compliance
NJDEP and ISRA support, environmental permitting, compliance audits, and LSRP oversight where applicable.
Brownfield Redevelopment
Evaluation, remediation planning, and redevelopment support for environmentally impaired Hackensack properties.
Environmental Liability Transfer
DSR transaction structures that may transfer environmental obligations as part of an eligible property acquisition.
Landfill Closure
Closure planning, post-closure care, monitoring, and evaluation of appropriate reuse opportunities through DSR.
How Resource Renewal Serves Hackensack, NJ
Investigation & Compliance (RCC Track)
For Hackensack property transactions and redevelopment projects, RCC’s ASTM E1527-21 Phase I Environmental Site Assessment reviews historical land use, regulatory records, agency files, site conditions, and information from people familiar with the property. RCC can also prepare an NJDEP Preliminary Assessment to identify Areas of Concern when the project calls for one. A Phase I ESA can help satisfy the federal All Appropriate Inquiries requirement, but completing an assessment alone does not guarantee purchaser liability protection. Eligibility depends on the transaction and other legal obligations.
If the assessment identifies a Recognized Environmental Condition or Area of Concern that warrants testing, RCC can develop a targeted Phase II Site Investigation. Soil, groundwater, or vapor results may lead to a broader Remedial Investigation and a site-specific cleanup plan. Where applicable, the work follows New Jersey’s Technical Requirements for Site Remediation and proceeds under LSRP oversight. Hackensack’s documented former industrial uses and environmental cases make parcel-specific research useful, without assuming that a particular property is contaminated.
Remediation & Redevelopment (DSR-Affiliated Track)
Depending on the contaminants and site conditions, remediation options can include in-situ treatment, excavation and off-site disposal, groundwater treatment, vapor mitigation, and long-term operations, monitoring, and maintenance. For owners considering the sale or reuse of an impaired Hackensack property, DSR offers brownfield acquisition, environmental liability transfer structures, and redevelopment planning. The appropriate scope follows the investigation results and the property’s intended use.
DSR states that its experience spans more than 100 brownfield sites across New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Ohio. Resource Renewal’s headquarters at the Resource Renewal Business Park in Mount Holly provides an example of completed brownfield reuse. That example reflects company experience, rather than a Hackensack project.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. Resource Renewal supports environmental assessment, investigation, remediation, and redevelopment projects in Hackensack and Bergen County through RCC and its affiliated company, DSR. Both operate from Resource Renewal’s headquarters at 10 Lippincott Lane in Mount Holly. Contact the team to discuss availability and project scope.
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A Phase I ESA reviews a property’s current and historical uses, nearby properties, regulatory records, and site conditions to identify Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs). Buyers commonly order one before acquiring commercial property, and a lender may request one for financing. It can also help a purchaser meet federal All Appropriate Inquiries requirements. Whether an assessment is required depends on the transaction and the property.
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RCC gives a typical estimate of two to three weeks from authorization to draft delivery. Site access, historical research, environmental database turnaround, and agency file availability can affect the schedule. Share your closing or financing deadline at the start so RCC can assess the timing for your property.
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A REC does not, by itself, confirm contamination. RCC can recommend targeted Phase II sampling of soil, groundwater, or vapor to determine whether a release is present. If testing confirms contamination, further investigation may be needed to define its extent and plan the appropriate response.
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Yes. RCC provides investigation and remediation services, while DSR offers brownfield acquisition, redevelopment planning, and transaction structures for environmental liability transfer. Whether a particular Hackensack property is suitable for acquisition or liability transfer depends on its environmental conditions and transaction terms.
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For a remediation case subject to New Jersey’s LSRP process, a Licensed Site Remediation Professional oversees the investigation and cleanup under applicable state requirements. Once the required remediation is complete, the LSRP may issue a Response Action Outcome (RAO) for the site or a defined Area of Concern. Some remedies also carry ongoing permit, monitoring, or maintenance obligations.
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Hackensack has a varied commercial and industrial history. A city-commissioned study documented contaminated sites, historic fill, and groundwater restrictions within one redevelopment study area. Those findings do not establish the condition of another parcel. A property-specific assessment helps buyers, owners, and lenders understand documented uses and potential risks before making decisions.
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Resource Renewal’s headquarters sits within the Resource Renewal Business Park, which the company describes as a completed brownfield redevelopment project. It illustrates the type of investigation, cleanup, and productive reuse that RCC and DSR can help plan for an impaired property. The work required for a Hackensack site would depend on that site’s own history, test results, and proposed use.
Visit Our Mount Holly, NJ HQ or Find Us Near You
The Resource Renewal Business Park
10 Lippincott Lane, Unit 1
Mount Holly, NJ 08060
Contact Resource Renewal for Project Support
For an ASTM E1527-21 Phase I ESA, Phase II Site Investigation, remediation, regulatory compliance, or brownfield redevelopment support on a Hackensack, NJ project, contact Resource Renewal directly. Field crews mobilize from the Mount Holly headquarters, with LSRP oversight provided when required for New Jersey site remediation. Call (856) 273-1009 or request a project consultation.