AIR-LAND-SEA
ANNOUNCEMENTS
July 2002
Environmental Site Assessments (ESA)
for Single-Family Homes?:
You bet, especially if they're within 300 feet of a tidal body of water. AL&S is aware of increased NJDEP scrutiny on Waterfront Development and CAFRA applications pertaining to illegally constructed or configured docks, violations of conservation easements and tidelands claims. None of these issues would be discovered during a Title Search for real estate closings, but have come back to haunt property owners after closing and when they would like to install pools, build additions to homes and construct docks. In response to this scrutiny AL&S is providing an ESA service that researches and checks for compliance with the multitude of environmental regulations that pertain to these types of properties.
Hold that Tank!
AL&S has been involved in several cases associated to leaking underground storage tanks where requests for insurance coverage was declined but vigorous pursuit of claims have been re-visited. This is especially true when homeowners have maintained the same insurance policy prior to 1986 and whether or not it cab be demonstrated that the tank started leaking in the early 1980's. Most property owners retain "tank yankers" who perform quick, cheap services to later find that they may have had coverage. According to John Zingis "It's a complex forensic process, but where the leaking tank may have substantial financial damages it's worth preserving evidence and completing a detailed review of insurance policies". Some leaking tanks may contaminate soils underneath their homes and remediation costs could quickly exceed $20,000. AL&S also provides expert services in securing insurance claims.
Air, Land & Sea goes SCUBA for Eel Grass:
Recent NJDEP requirements have been tightened again with respect to Sub Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) Habitats. AL&S has responded by obtaining SCUBA certification to permit detailed SAV assessment for dock construction, dock extension and boat lift construction. AL&S completed two recent studies that have successfully furthered these NJDEP permits.
Nesting Bald Eagle Monitoring - Completed!
AL&S completed it's monitoring of the Bald Eagle nest site and concluded that there was no impact to nesting Eagles approximately one mile from bridge construction. This monitoring program permitted the continued construction of the bridge approximately 4 weeks ahead of schedule. Monitoring reports were reviewed and approved by NJDEP.
