The Hampshire Companies

Brownfields Redevelopment - Basking Ridge, NJ

JMS was initially retained by The Hampshire Companies, a Morristown-based real estate investment company, to verify previous environmental assessments of a 1920s vintage car dealer garage located on the main street of Basking Ridge, New Jersey. Through an inspection and historic review, JMS concluded that the oil water separator identified by two previous consultants was an old septic system which was never connected to the municipal sewer. JMS completed an investigation of the site and agreed to complete the remediation on a fixed cost basis. The required remediation included the integration of the removal of five abandoned underground storage tanks, the septic system with leach field, and contaminated soil and groundwater within the redevelopment schedule for the site. JMS presented the remediation plan to the municipality to assure the town that the plan could be safely and effectively implemented without formal State approval of a Remedial Action Workplan. JMS was successful and the remediation was completed in coordination with site redevelopment. JMS is continuing to monitor groundwater quality at the site pending final NJDEP approval and issuance of a No Further Action letter.

The Hampshire Companies constructed a new building with classic colonial architecture and accents on the site of the former car dealership. The building, with retail tenants on the street level and apartments above, is now a central feature in Basking Ridge. Local citizens are pleased with the results and feel the new building has had a positive impact on the town center.