Preliminary Assessment (PA) FAQ

In New Jersey, a Preliminary Assessment (PA) is often required to evaluate a property’s history for potential environmental risks. Oak Environmental delivers NJDEP-compliant, attorney- and lender-ready PA reports that help buyers, sellers, and developers move forward with confidence.

What is a Preliminary Assessment?

A Preliminary Assessment (PA) checks the history of a property to see if there may have been spills, leaks, or other risks in the past.

Who needs a PA?

You may need one if you're buying, selling, leasing, or developing commercial property in NJ —especially if the property is in the NJDEP Site Remediation Program or connected to Green Acres or ISRA.

Why do I need a PA?

A PA helps you meet NJDEP rules. It shows whether the site is clean—or if more testing is needed before you move forward.

What does a PA include?

We look at old records, permits, maps, and past uses. Then we walk the property to check for signs of contamination.

Does a PA include soil or water testing?

No. A PA is about research and site inspection. If we find red flags, we may recommend a Site Investigation with testing next.

What is an Area of Concern (AOC)?

An AOC is a spot on the property that has an identified concern —like a tank, loading dock, or chemical storage area.

How long does a PA take?

Most Preliminary Assessments take 3 to 6 weeks. We work fast to help you meet deadlines and avoid project delays.

Can I get a No Further Action (NFA) letter from a PA?

No —a No Further Action letter is specifically for residential home heating oil tank releases that have been cleaned up.

If a PA leads to a Site Investigation and no additional work is needed, then a LSRP can issue a Remedial Action Outcome, if needed.

Do I need an LSRP for a PA?

No. If a PA is being completed for environmental due diligence, a LSRP is not needed.

If you’re already in the NJDEP Site Remediation Program, it’s smart to have an LSRP lead the process and keep everything compliant.

Why choose Oak Environmental for a Preliminary Assessment?

We know NJDEP rules inside and out. Our team gives you clear answers, fast reports, and a solid plan if more steps are needed.

What is a Preliminary Assessment (PA) in New Jersey?

A PA is a records-based environmental review that examines a property’s past uses, permits, maps, and environmental history to identify potential risks such as spills, leaks, or storage tanks. It follows the NJDEP’s Technical Requirements for Site Remediation (Tech Regs) and identifies Areas of Concern (AOCs) that may need further testing.

Who needs a Preliminary Assessment?

A PA may be required if you are:

• Buying, selling, or refinancing commercial or industrial property

• Redeveloping land in New Jersey

• A business with specific North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code that requires work under Industrial Site Recovery Act (ISRA)

• Responding to an NJDEP directive or case requirement

Why is a PA important?

A PA ensures compliance with NJDEP rules and helps protect property buyers, sellers, lenders, and developers from liability. It determines whether a property is “clean” or if a Site Investigation (SI) is required.

What does a Preliminary Assessment include?

A PA includes:

• Historical review of maps, permits, and land use

• NJDEP and federal database searches

• Review of previous environmental reports

• Site inspection for visible environmental concerns

• Identification of Areas of Concern (AOCs), such as tanks, chemical storage, or loading docks

Does a PA include soil or groundwater testing?

No. A PA is research and inspection only. If issues are identified, Oak Environmental may recommend a Site Investigation with soil, groundwater, or vapor sampling.

What is an Area of Concern (AOC)?

An AOC is a location on the property with potential environmental risk. Examples include underground storage tanks, former industrial operations, chemical storage areas, or waste disposal locations.

How long does a Preliminary Assessment take?

Most PAs are completed in 3–6 weeks, depending on property complexity and record availability. Oak Environmental prioritizes fast turnaround to meet client deadlines.

Can a PA result in a No Further Action (NFA) letter?

No. An NFA letter is specific to residential heating oil tank cleanups. For commercial and industrial properties, if a PA and subsequent Site Investigation confirm no further action is needed, an LSRP may issue a Response Action Outcome (RAO).

Do I need a Licensed Site Remediation Professional (LSRP) for a PA?

• If the PA is for due diligence (e.g., a real estate transaction), an LSRP is not required.

• If the property is already in the NJDEP Site Remediation Program, an LSRP should oversee the process to ensure compliance and defensibility.

Why choose Oak Environmental for a Preliminary Assessment?

Oak Environmental provides:

• NJDEP-compliant, defensible reports accepted by attorneys and lenders

• Clear, actionable findings that are easy for clients to understand

• Fast turnaround to protect real estate transactions and project schedules

• Decades of regulatory expertise from Licensed Site Remediation Professionals

Our mission is to deliver clarity, compliance, and confidence at every step of the due diligence process.

PA = Property History Review

SI = Testing

RAO = Final Clearance

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At Oak Environmental, we check properties for problems and help clean them up. We make sure everything follows the rules. You’ll get clear answers, fast help, and no surprises.