The Old Bridge solar farm is a privately owned 102-acre site, which historically operated as a clay mining and brick-making facility from the late 1880’s to the 1960’s.  Site remediation activities primarily focused on a 28-acre portion of the property that had previously been identified for potential solar development. RT completed a Preliminary Assessment and Site Investigation, which confirmed that miscast bricks became waste and were placed back into the mined areas, and that historic fill was present over most of the site.  RT then completed a Remedial Investigation of the site to horizontally and vertically delineate brick waste and historic fill, and to determine if groundwater was impacted by contaminants present in the backfill materials.  

Based on the results of the Remedial Investigation, RT was able to demonstrate to NJDEP that portions of the site planned for solar development met the definition of either a historic fill area or brownfield area.  This determination was used to settle an appeal to the NJ Board of Public Utilities, which subsequently awarded the solar developer payment for solar generation through the state’s Clean Energy Program.  Remediation of the site included installation of a clean soil cap, stormwater piping, and fencing.  An 11-Megawatt solar array facility was constructed concurrent with remediation, and is expected to be in operation for up to 25 years.  After the project was complete, RT prepared a Remedial Action Permit application, and once approved by NJDEP, the LSRP issued a Response Action Outcome statement.  RT has completed the permit-required biennial certification inspections since then, and has found the remediation remains protective of public and environmental health and safety.