Case Study: 400 Doremus Ave

By Michael Novak, Atlantic Environmental Solutions Inc. (AESI) On Mar 1, 2018

The 11-acre former Reichold chemical plant site at 400 Doremus Ave., Newark, was the subject of multiple, open Industrial Site Recovery Act (ISRA) cases dating back to 1985, and those cases addressed multiple industrial uses dating back to 1907. 

Complex? Yes. But many commercial and industrial real estate transactions in the New Jersey marketplace, which once were untouched, now are being remade with the assistance of Licensed Site Remediation Professionals (LSRPs) and firms that specialize in complex environmental laws and regulations.

Hoboken-based Atlantic Environmental Solutions Inc. (AESI) was retained in 2016 to address outstanding environmental issues at 400 Doremus Ave., and bring the Essex County industrial site into compliance with applicable remediation standards.

Because of its location, 400 Doremus Ave. was a prime location for redevelopment. The site is just one-quarter-mile from the New Jersey Turnpike, and in proximity to Newark Liberty International Airport and the Port Newark–Elizabeth Marine Terminal.

The Doremus Avenue area of Newark is comprised of about 1,100 acres of industrial property and is designated by the New Jersey Department of Transportation as a corridor for industrial traffic to the New Jersey ports. Driven by the rise of e-commerce, many sites along this coveted corridor are being redeveloped to meet increased demand for industrial use, including truck-related fueling and services, and container and truck parking.

Following the demolition of the former Reichold chemical plant’s buildings, AESI performed a preliminary assessment, site investigation, remedial investigation and remedial action activities to address soil issues at the property, which had more than 120 areas of environmental concern (AOCs).

Following remediation efforts, this industrial site was ready for reuse and Response Action Outcomes (RAOs) were issued, allowing for redevelopment of the property.

Now, 400 Doremus Ave. serves a dual purpose. The front eight acres are a retail trucking refueling and travel center for Pilot Travel Centers. The rear three acres, located along the Passaic River, were redeveloped by the property owner as a secure truck and container storage facility to serve the numerous logistics and distribution companies that rely on the Port Newark–Elizabeth Marine Terminal.

This project exemplifies how remediation can transform abandoned or underutilized industrial properties into functional facilities that help New Jersey’s economy and provide tax benefits to their respective communities.

Related Articles: