The NJDEP recommended early in 1999 that
if children play in areas that were formerly in agricultural use before the
1970's, that the areas be tested. Five percent of the state's agricultural land
has apparently been contaminated from historical pesticide application, which
occurred before the 1970's.
Compounds which should be tested for include lead,
arsenic, mercury and DDT. These compounds are particularly of concern because
all of these compounds are relatively persistent and do not biodegrade.
The compounds can be found in determinable
concentrations in near-surface soils (less than 1 foot below grade). The
announcement of findings and the DEP recommendation was made by Assistant
Commissioner Richard Gimillo.
RT has been recommending such testing for several years,
and already has the knowledge needed to assist property buyers and developers
with this issue. Here are the key issues:
- "Hot spots" can be located where pesticide
were stored and mixed as part of the application process.
- "Low points" where sediment settles can
have elevated concentrations.
- A small percentage of sites are highly contaminated
and require large cleanups. At these sites, applications of pesticides with
lead and arsenic were apparently repeated for a long number of years; the
metals do not tend to biodegrade.
At most impacted sites, where pesticide concentrations
are low, it is only necessary to be careful with the impacted soil, and, to make
sure that all exposed soil materials meets residential direct contact standards.
At most sites, groundwater problems are not at issue as
the compounds, except for mercury, tend to adsorb to soils. At commercially
developed sites, impacted material can be placed under buildings or roadways.
