The Department of Environmental Conservation issues certificates of completion releasing program participants from liability for contamination addressed by the cleanup efforts. New Jersey's voluntary cleanup program, administered by the Department of Environmental Protection, excludes high priority sites and sites under existing enforcement action. Site-specific cleanup standards consider future use, ground water classification, and implementation of deed or use restrictions. New York's Voluntary Cleanup program, launched in the fall of 1994, is available to non-PRPs and property owners who would be PRPs because of their status as current landowners. The participant in New York enters into a voluntary cleanup agreement and develops a workplan either to investigate or remediate the site.
Future use is considered during approval of cleanup standards.
The Department of Environmental Conservation will issue a covenant not to sue and provide contribution protection unless the contamination involves a petroleum release. New York's State Environmental Quality Bond Act also adds the potential for strong incentives to municipalities owning environmentally distressed properties. Sites participating in Pennsylvania's Land Recycling Program must meet one or a combination of standards regarding site background, statewide health, and site-specific cleanup considering exposure and risk factors. These sites are also eligible for financial assistance in the form of low-interest loans or grants. Pennsylvania's Land Recycling Program was the sole environmental program to earn the Innovations in American Government Award.