- CEP Renewables, NJR Clean Energy Ventures and CS Energy completed the 19 MW solar project.
- The project revitalizes a brownfield site previously used for composting.
- This program increases local tax revenue and provides habitat for pollinators.
- New Jersey is approaching its 2050 goal of 100% clean energy.
In a major step toward clean energy, CEP Renewables, NJR Clean Energy Ventures, and CS Energy recently completed the Foul Rift solar project in Warren County, located in White Township, with 19 megawatts of DC power The site used to be a brownfield and environmental issues suffered due to its history as a composting facility for about 30 years. This project not only cleans up the neighborhood, but also contributes to local energy needs and tax revenue.
The Foul Rift solar project stands as a prime example of successful environmental restoration. Chris Ichter, the executive vice president at CEP Renewables, expressed that this initiative showcases New Jersey’s commitment to leveraging brownfields and landfill sites for solar energy.
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He stated, “This project demonstrates both New Jersey’s strong policy support for brownfield and landfill solar projects, as well as the power of developing a grid supply solar farm to remediate environmental damages that would not have otherwise been addressed.”
Initially, the site faced major challenges due to pollution from composting activities. The testing revealed that the soil contained hazardous metals, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and arsenic, resulting in 92 documented violations from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) CEP acting a intensified compliance, disposed of waste materials, and cooperated with DEP to correct violations f.
The way CEP has managed the site is innovative. Utilizing a unique public-private partnership with White Township, obtaining tax bonds from the township, and paying overpaid taxes to acquire ownership of the site This arrangement served not only tax issues but benefited the town they also recovered decades of back taxes and interest.
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The Fowl Rift Project transformed what was once an environmentally dangerous area into a productive heritage, strengthened New Jersey’s leadership in solar energy, and made the nation a consistent leader in solar energy. for solar energy per square mile. This project is an important part of New Jersey’s ambitious 2050 goal, which means environmental remediation and renewable energy can continue.
The completion of the Fowl Rift Solar Project is an important milestone in New Jersey’s quest for clean energy and environmental restoration. By transforming a troubled area into a source of renewable energy, CEP Renewables and its partners have created a powerful example of how innovative public-private partnerships can create lasting positive impacts. As New Jersey moves closer to its clean energy goals, it will serve as a model for similar projects in the future.
