Brownfield (VCP) and E-Designation Investigations

CORE Environmental Consultants specializes in Brownfield (VCP) and E-Designation investigations, helping property owners, developers, and design teams meet NYC-specific environmental requirements. These regulatory programs—overseen by the New York City Office of Environmental Remediation (OER)—are designed to address contamination risks on redevelopment sites, particularly those with industrial histories or subject to zoning actions.

From eligibility and scoping through field sampling, remedial planning, and documentation, CORE provides full-service support to help your project move from investigation to completion efficiently and in full compliance.

What Are E-Designations and the Voluntary Cleanup Program?

An E-Designation is a zoning condition applied by the NYC Department of City Planning (DCP) that indicates a property may have potential concerns related to hazardous materials, air quality, or noise. These are common in areas undergoing rezonings and must be addressed through environmental review and OER approval before construction permits or Certificates of Occupancy can be issued.

The Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP) is a pathway for property owners to address contamination risks with oversight from OER. Enrollment in the VCP provides a structured framework for investigation and remediation, ultimately leading to a Notice of Completion that satisfies regulatory requirements and limits future liability.

When Do You Need These Services?

CORE provides Brownfield and E-Designation investigation services when:

• Your property has an E-Designation (E #) related to hazardous materials
• You’re applying for permits through the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB)
• You plan to redevelop a former industrial or manufacturing site
• Your project is enrolling in the NYC Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP)
• You’re required to submit Phase I/II reports, Remedial Action Plans, or Closure Reports to OER or NYSDEC
• You need to address land use, rezoning, or environmental restrictions tied to site history

Our Investigation & Remediation Process

1. Phase I ESA & Eligibility Assessment

We begin with a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA), performed under ASTM E1527 standards and tailored to meet OER’s expectations. This helps determine if further investigation is warranted and whether the site qualifies for the VCP.

2. Phase II Subsurface Investigation

If recognized environmental conditions (RECs) or prior spills are present—or if an E-Designation mandates it—CORE performs a Phase II investigation, including:

• Soil and groundwater sampling
• Soil vapor or sub-slab vapor sampling
• Laboratory analysis aligned with DER-10, OER, and DOB requirements
• Evaluation of site-specific risks and contaminant levels

All work is documented and submitted in a format accepted by OER and NYSDEC.

3. Remedial Action Plan (RAP) & CHASP

If contamination is identified, CORE prepares a Remedial Action Plan (RAP) and Construction Health and Safety Plan (CHASP), detailing:

• Contaminated material removal or in-situ treatment
• Vapor mitigation strategies (e.g., sub-slab depressurization)
• Engineering and institutional controls
• Dust, air, and stormwater controls during excavation
• Worker and community health protections

These are submitted to OER for review and approval, and become part of your DOB filing or zoning certification.

4. Oversight & Field Documentation

During construction or remediation, CORE provides oversight to document:

• Proper handling and disposal of contaminated soil
• Air monitoring and community protection
• Compliance with approved RAP measures
• Field logs, manifests, and chain-of-custody records

We help ensure field activities meet expectations and can be fully defended in final documentation.

5. Closure Report & Notice of Completion

Following successful implementation, CORE prepares a Closure Report for OER or a Remedial Closure Report for NYSDEC, which includes:

• As-built diagrams and site photos
• Analytical confirmation data
• Waste disposal documentation
• Summary of all remedial actions completed
• Long-term control plan (if applicable)

Once approved, OER issues a Notice of No Objection or Notice of Completion, clearing the site for DOB approvals or occupancy.

Why CORE?

✅ NYC-Focused Expertise
We have extensive experience with OER processes, E-Designations, and Brownfield sites in all five boroughs, including integration with zoning and DOB workflows.

✅ Integrated Services
From Phase I to closure reporting, CORE offers all investigation, design, oversight, and reporting services under one roof—saving time and improving continuity.

✅ Clear, Defensible Reporting
Our documentation is accepted by regulators, permitting agencies, and legal teams, ensuring projects move forward without unnecessary delays.

✅ Strategic Guidance
We help you understand the nuances of NYC environmental programs, determine the most efficient path forward, and avoid costly missteps in redevelopment planning.