Dave Barry

The Applied Companies began by developing affordable, multi-family housing in faltering urban areas of New Jersey. Although we have since expanded our interests into all types of residential and commercial ventures, we have never forsaken our roots. That is why it is a pleasure to tell you about the Liberty National Development Project in Jersey City - one of the largest urban renewal projects on the East Coast - and Integrated Environmental Services' crucial contributions to its success.

Let me start by saying that without Integrated, the proposed 350-acre development would be dead before it started, probably stuck in the courts or lost in the maze of regulations from a multitude of agencies. Thanks in large part to Integrated's unique involvement, this major new golf course resort and residential project on the Hudson is flourishing. Their innovative approach to environmental compliance not only won over the regulators but also the local residents and business owners of Jersey City. With Integrated's invaluable guidance, the project has overcome seemingly insurmountable environmental, engineering, economic and social issues.

One does not expect such dedication and wide-ranging expertise from a mere environmental consultant. Clearly, Integrated is a cut above.

Upon its creation in 1997, the Liberty National Partnership asked Integrated to be the lead technical consultant and "gatekeeper" of the environmental half of the project and to execute the cleanup and redevelopment of the site as cost-effectively as possible. Among numerous tasks, Integrated's overall responsibility was to ensure that a comprehensive approach to environmental compliance was devised and followed during both the cleanup and redevelopment phases of the project, while at the same time protecting the Partnerships interest. Considering the multitude of consultants, landowners, agencies and jurisdictions involved, this was no easy task.

The key was in working out a practical cleanup plan that promoted a fair and reasonable allocation of responsibility among PRPs. This was the only the first step, however. The next crucial step was in selling the remedial program to the state regulators and federal agencies. In addition to protecting human health and the environment, the remedial plan had to account for state and federal land that had been set aside as protected wetland habitat. The same plan also had to address the concerns of local residents and business owners. Finally, Integrated's remediation and redevelopment plan had to be economically feasible.

Amazingly, they did it. Integrated pulled it off, against tremendous odds. They got all parties to agree. Now, the planning and permitting phase is essentially complete, thanks to Integrated. The Partnership now looks to them for project management expertise and leadership in the field. We know we'll get it. We all look forward to our "impossible" job becoming a reality.