Trust Loan Funds Major Brownfields Redevelopment Project in Carteret

The Carteret Redevelopment Agency recently received a $38.5 million low-interest loan from the Environmental Infrastructure Financing Program to cap three landfills as part of a major light industrial project in Carteret . The closure involves the Carteret, Cranbrook , and Middlesex landfills, all in the Borough of Carteret. The 113 acre site will host a 1.2 million square foot high-end distribution center that is nearing completion.

The project is part of the state's "Portfields Initiatives." This initiative provides opportunities for private developers, communities and others to transform underutilized and brownfield sites into productive warehousing and distribution centers. These centers support and capitalize upon emerging market opportunities for new ocean and air freight-related warehousing and distribution operations.

"Redeveloping brownfields is an important component of the state's smart growth initiative," said Trust Executive Director Dennis Hart. "Restoring these sites abates ongoing pollution problems, creates new areas for development, decreases development pressure on undisturbed, pristine areas and provides new tax ratables for municipalities."

Carteret site in September 2006

The Carteret site is well suited for distribution operations. It is close to the New Jersey Turnpike, approximately 15 minutes from Port Elizabeth , 20 minutes from Newark International Airport , and 35 minutes from New York City .

The third largest industrial developer in the United States , Panattoni, is constructing a $150 million facility that will offer state-of-the-art distribution, manufacturing, and import/export facilities. The completion of construction is slated for Fall 2007. These facilities will also provide much needed tax ratables for the Borough of Carteret.

The landfill closure includes a landfill cap and a leachate collection system installed around the perimeter of the landfill. After receiving preliminary treatment onsite, the leachate will be conveyed to the Middlesex County Utilities Authority treatment plant via a new onsite pump station and force main. In addition, a gas collection system will be installed to collect landfill gas for treatment. These systems protect surrounding surface water, ground water, tidal wetlands and air.

Carteret site in May 2007

The landfills were closed in 1981 and have remained inactive despite the site's potential for commercial use. In 2006, the Carteret Redevelopment Agency secured low-interest financing from the Environmental Infrastructure Financing Program that paved the way for the property to be restored.