[SRRA]: Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) Concentrations in New Jersey Soils

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection conducted a study of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations in New Jersey soils. The primary purpose of the study was to characterize PAH concentrations found in New Jersey soils.

The study included identifying locations in areas of the state believed to be free of direct impacts from known discharges of PAHs and impacts from historic fill. Soils were sampled across the state from all 21 counties, from locations where the population density was 2,000 people per square mile or greater. Soil samples were collected from two depths (zero to six inches below ground surface and 12 to 18 inches below ground surface) and analyzed for PAHs. The large majority of the concentrations measured did not exceed the lowest levels of regulatory concern. Typically, surface concentrations exceeded subsurface concentrations at a given location, with a few exceptions.

A secondary focus of the study included assessments of railroad track beds and asphalt surfaces as sources of PAHs. Concentrations of one PAH, naphthalene, were observed to decrease with increased distance from railroad track beds. Several PAHs were observed to decrease with increasing distance from asphalt surfaces.

The results of this report can be used, as part of multiple lines of evidence, to document background levels of PAHs at contaminated sites.

The full report can be found at https://www.nj.gov/dep/dsr/publications/PAHs_NJ_Soils.pdf.

SRP Site Remediation Reform Act (SRRA) Web site: www.nj.gov/dep/srp/

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