FAQs
Below is a list of frequently asked questions about the Willow Street environmental remediation project. FAQs may be updated periodically based on questions received from the public, including those questions posed during the community information webinar.
Updated November 29, 2023
Who do I call if I have a question or concern?
We encourage you to call the Project Information Line at (201) 494-4886 or email the team at comments@willowstreetproject.com with your questions or concerns. Kelly Henry and John McKeegan are the community liaisons working on behalf of Shell for the project and will respond to your call or email.
About the Site Remediation
Where was the work performed?
The work was conducted at 85 Willow Street, which is a lot owned by PSE&G. Shell, as a former owner, is responsible for the remediation.
What were the constituents to be remediated?
The focus of the remedial work was to address impacts to soils from petroleum tar (or bitumen), which is a black, sticky, semi-solid substance and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or PAHs.
How was the soil remediated?
The contractor removed and replaced onsite impacted soils with clean fill between 1 and 13 feet below ground surface. The impacts were identified by soil testing as part of the site’s remedial investigation. Approximately 16,000 cubic yards of soil were removed. Impacted soils were transported offsite to a licensed facility for beneficial reuse.
Existing asphalt was removed. As a matter of safety, some large, mature trees located on private property west of the site also were removed.
What is the work schedule and will crews work on the weekends?
Site preparation activities began in mid-June 2023 followed by the start of excavation in July. As of October 2023, all onsite excavation and backfilling with certified clean fill was completed.
Did trucks impact local streets?
Trucks were directed down Willow Street to Paterson Avenue (CR-120) and out to state highways. They did not travel along residential streets.
How were trucks staged?
Trucks making deliveries or leaving the site were directed to contact the project contractor before moving to the site. No trucks are staged along Willow Street or near the CVS at the corner of Willow Street and Paterson Avenue. Staging was outside the residential neighborhood.
When did Shell first learn about the need to remediate the site?
Shell was notified by Bell Atlantic (now Verizon New Jersey) of the potential impacts to the site. In 2016, Shell collected soil samples as part of an initial site investigation. Soil impacts were investigated in 2017.
Was any remediation work performed before the current project?
In May 1996, Bell Atlantic, a former owner now known as Verizon New Jersey, removed two underground storage tanks used to store gasoline. Impacted soils in the southeastern corner of the site also were removed.
An underground storage tank located in the southwestern corner of the Site contained waste oil from vehicle maintenance. Bell Atlantic removed the tank and impacted soils in July 1990. A separate waste oil underground storage tank was removed in April 2004.
Is the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection supervising the work?
In 2012, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) fully implemented the Licensed Site Remediation Professional (LSRP) program. LSRPs provide guidance and oversight to ensure projects like this are performed in accordance with state regulations. The LSRP for this site is Julian Davies of Sovereign Consulting, Inc.
The work plan for the site remediation was reviewed by the LSRP and approved by NJDEP.
Who is responsible for the remediation of the site?
Shell is responsible for the remediation of petroleum tar (bitumen) impacts to soil and groundwater from when it used the site as a bulk storage facility between 1931 and 1968.
Dust Management, Odor Mitigation and Air Monitoring
How was dust controlled during remediation?
The contractor used a range of dust control measures as needed during soil excavation and removal, including water misting, covering soil piles with tarps, and foam application.
Was air monitoring performed?
Yes. An air monitoring plan specific to the site’s activity and constituents of concern was developed and performed when digging, or any soil disturbance activity, was performed.
What did the air monitors do?
With the completion of excavation and backfilling, air monitoring stations were removed. Air monitoring stations were installed along all sides of the work area perimeter and between the project area and the closest building when remediation work was being performed.
The stations housed two monitoring devices that operated continuously during active work hours. One device was a photoionization detector (PID), which is a type of vapor detector. It monitors and records total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs). The other device was a real-time particulate matter meter that monitors for dust.
The stations were closely monitored to ensure that the project remained below health-based action levels.
Where were the air monitors stationed?
With the completion of excavation and backfilling, air monitoring stations were removed. There were four air monitoring stations located closest to where residents live.
How quickly did you get air monitoring results?
While remediation was performed, perimeter air monitoring equipment provided real-time readings, continually measuring and recording TVOCs and PM-10 (a measurement for particulates or dust) to the project team during work hours.
Additionally, an air sample was collected weekly during remediation activities and sent for analysis at a New Jersey certified laboratory.
Were odors associated with the remediation work?
Soils containing tar sometimes have an odor similar to that of fresh asphalt. These odors can be detected by people at levels below what can be detected by an air monitoring instrument and well below what would be considered a health concern. Dust and odor control measures (such as water mist, foam spray, plastic sheeting and sand cover) are commonly used to control potential dust and odors during excavation and non-work periods.
Dust and odor assessments were performed at least twice daily, or more frequently as required, to identify and manage observed dust and odors at the source before they travelled off site.
If you have a concern about dust or odors, or just a question, we encourage you to call the Project Information Line at (201) 494-4886 or email the team at comments@willowstreetproject.com.
Are odors a health concern?
Odors associated with the site constituents can often be detected at levels that are below a health concern and often below what can be detected by an air monitoring instrument.
The project’s perimeter air monitoring was focused on protecting public health. Perimeter air monitors were set to an internal threshold well below any health concern. If the internal threshold was triggered, additional actions were taken, such as water misting or odor suppressing foaming.
What is used to control vapors and odors and what is in it?
The foam used at the project site was RusFoam® OC AC645 manufactured by Atmos. It forms a barrier between constituents and the atmosphere and is applied either during or after active excavation to provide an immediate and effective barrier to vapors and help to minimize odors. Both are completely biodegradable. The formula has no inherent odor; however, a scent (such as wintergreen, cherry or vanilla) may be added.
Project Noise
Were you required to seek permits from the state or the municipality for construction noise?
The Willow Street remediation project was considered a construction project by the State of New Jersey and the Borough of East Rutherford, and the work produced typical construction sounds. The State of New Jersey and the Borough of East Rutherford view construction projects as temporary projects that do not require a noise permit.
Did residents hear noise from equipment?
Residents heard noise from equipment similar to any construction project. Noise dampening blankets were installed on temporary fencing around the project to minimize impacts to the extent possible.
Drinking Water
Did this work impact local drinking water?
No. Groundwater in the area is not used as a potable water source and the Borough of East Rutherford water supply is not affected.
Why did you conduct a well survey?
Groundwater in the area is not a source of drinking water for East Rutherford’s municipal water system. In accordance with NJDEP requirements, Shell conducted a well survey as a precaution to confirm no private wells are in use near the site and ensure public health and safety is protected.
Protecting Private Properties
Did you place vibration monitors on buildings across from the project?
Some vibration could be experienced at times throughout the project. VibraTech, Shell’s expert, developed a plan to place vibration monitors, with the permission of owners, on properties closest to the work to ensure they remained below those levels known to cause impacts to structural integrity. The monitors measured ground vibration, which dissipates with distance.
If cosmetic damage does occur because of the work, will Shell make repairs?
The contractor is responsible for any offsite impacts caused by their work. Shell performed pre-construction inspections of homes and structures located on adjacent properties to document and assess the current conditions. If damage to an offsite property is attributable to the remediation, the contractor will restore the property in consultation with the property owner.
Shell also worked with adjacent property owners on individual agreements to ensure they were protected against personal injury or property damage caused by our activities.
Will you replace trees that are taken down?
Shell will work with the individual property owners to restore or replace any affected trees.
Will the work create an increased risk of flooding?
There are no changes to the site elevation.
Is there a soil erosion plan?
The contractor put in place soil and sediment erosion controls based on a plan approved by the Bergen County Soil Conservation District. This included silt socks along the site perimeter and stormwater and storm sewer protections. This ensured that water used for dust control and water collected at the site during rain events was controlled and managed.
Future Use of Site
What is the future use of the PSE&G property?
PSE&G is the owner of the property. Shell is not aware of any plans for its future use.
How will the site be graded and finished after the remediation is completed?
The site has been restored to the original site grade with clean fill and gravel.
Who will be responsible for site maintenance?
New, permanent fencing was installed and will be maintained by PSE&G. Temporary fencing that was installed for the project was removed.