Middlesex County Open Space Program Property Evaluation

HMM has maintained an on-call contract for environmental/engineering services in support of the Authority’s Open Space Program since 2007.  The on-call services program consists of a multi-faceted pre-acquisition property evaluation including due diligence efforts (Phase I ESA, Preliminary Assessment), wetland survey/evaluation and lot yield analysis.  Due diligence programs include performance of Phase I ESAs in conformance with both ASTME 1527E-05 and New Jersey’s Technical Requirements for Site Remediation 7:26E.  Wetland reviews consist of a feasibility assessment for various land uses, including recreational opportunities such as conservation, passive use, active use (ballfields, playgrounds, etc.), and entertainment. Lot yield analyses consist of determining the number of buildable lots which can be obtained from the property given the current zoning and other known site-specific land-use constraints, including contamination issues, wetlands, streams/surface water bodies, threatened and endangered species, and topography, as well as the availability of utility service and other required infrastructure.  All projects have been successfully completed within established budgets and timeframes.

Program properties have included a variety of uses such as current/former agricultural sites, commercial properties, residential properties, etc. Property sizes have ranges from under an acre to over 100 acres.  In addition to established services, the Authority has retained HMM to perform a wide range of supplemental project tasks needed to fully evaluate sites prior to acquisition.  Additional tasks have included:

• Performance of Phase II/III Assessments (soil sampling via test pits and borings, sediment/surface water sampling and assessments, groundwater evaluation, development and implementation of soil sampling to assess prior agricultural usage, historical fill characterization and evaluation)
• Development of remedial strategies and cost estimates
• Remedial oversight
• Preparation of mapping identifying environmental constraints (wetlands, surface water, environmental contamination, etc)
• Technical reporting
• Coordination with county and municipal officials, NJDEP technical staff, legal counsel and appraisers associated with overall property valuation tasks