On Aug. 15, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) proposed rules intended to implement the new Licensed Site Remediation Professional (LSRP) program. 43 N.J.R. 1935-2087. The LSRP was touted as a “sea change” for the management of the remediation of contaminated sites in New Jersey when it was created by the Site Remediation Reform Act (the SRRA) in May 2009. Borrowing from aspects of programs in other states — particularly the Massachusetts Licensed Site Professional program — the goal was to emulate the progress made in those other states in moving remediation forward with greater efficiency in both time and cost without compromising the protection of the environment.
The SRRA established a three-year phase-in period to allow time for the existing program to transition to the new LSRP program. By May 2012, virtually all remediation sites will need to be under the supervision of an LSRP working under regulations to be adopted by that deadline. A critical concern for all involved was whether the implementation of the program would capture the sea-change spirit envisioned when the SRRA was adopted.
