Understanding the role and timing of cleanup technology at a brownfield site is a little like the often-used analogy of peeling an onion. This analogy is pertinent to the two Mantua properties called the Route 55 Redevelopment Area.

Harvesting the Onion When you first harvest an onion, the outside looks a little dirty. Brush off the dirt and you may discover a perfectly good onion. Conducting a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is like brushing off this dirt [ASTM E 1527 (05)], though sometimes you uncover a soft spot or bruise (i.e., a “recognized environmental condition” in the parlance of the Phase 1 ESA). A Phase 2 site investigation is like peeling off the outer layer to see if the onion is inherently OK or whether the bruise is serious. If the bruise is deeper, you may need to extend to a Phase 3 site assessment or beyond. (Under New Jersey regulations, the Phase 1 ESA must meet the requirements for a Preliminary Assessment [PA]. Similarly, under New Jersey regulations, the Phase 2 document must meet the requirements for a Site Investigation [SI].) ...

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