The city government of Salem, New Jersey, has a request for proposals (RFP) for the redevelopment of the municipal landfill. The 41-acre site was the city’s landfill beginning in 1988 and was capped and closed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection in 2005.
Salem, New Jersey’s municipal landfill. City of Salem
“The City of Salem views the landfill as one of its most important redevelopment opportunities,” said Salem Mayor Jody Veler. “The site has long been underutilized and has the potential to be transformed into a valuable community asset, one that supports job creation, generates new income and promotes responsible, sustainable development.”
The city suggested the property could be redeveloped as a recreational facility or used for a new energy development, such as a solar project. Landfills are often unsuitable for certain types of construction projects because they are covered and the soil cannot be penetrated without risk of contamination. A ballasted solar project avoids penetration of the soil.
In recent years, solar construction on capped landfills, brownfields and Superfund sites has increased, and the Northeast is at the forefront of that trend. New Jersey offers state incentives for solar projects built on sites such as landfills. In addition, the City of Salem stated that the site qualifies for several state tax credits, including being in an Opportunity Zone administered by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs and a census tract eligible for a New Market Tax Credit.
Salem plans to sell or lease the landfill to a developer. The city is accepting questions and requests for the RFP through 5:00 PM (EST) on January 8. Proposals must be submitted by 5pm on January 29th.
