by Brian T. Lynch, MSW
How do you transform toxic industrial wasteland, unfit for human habitation, into a life-affirming wilderness and ecosystem that is also financially beneficial for landowners and their community? That is the challenge the Hercules-Kenvil property in Roxbury presents. It is the same challenge faced by thousands of similar toxic sites and brownfields across the country and around the world. Solving it at the former Hercules Power Company site could have broad applications.
What follows is a draft concept proposal recently presented to the Roxbury Environmental Commission. It is an initial attempt to envision the best, highest-use solution for developing the property. It is an idea that could benefit all stakeholders and the environment alike. It incorporates new and emerging technologies along with some creative, futuristic thinking.
Picture Hercules as a fully restored forest preserve spanning a thousand acres of rainwater recharge area. It already contains a natural spring. The Great Spring on the Hercules property supplies clear, cool water to the Black River at a rate of a billion gallons a year, even during a drought watch. It is worth preserving.
Above the trees and vegetation, there would be a 400-acre array of solar panels carefully arranged to share sunlight with the planted area below. The solar field would generate much of the electricity needed to power N.J. Transit’s trains and buses statewide, eliminating tailpipe emissions and reducing the state's carbon footprint. Alternatively, the electricity could be sold to the regional power company by the Hercules solar utility or directly to township residents through a municipally owned utility cooperative. The land could be either purchased or leased from Ashland Chemical by a solar developer or by the state for N.J. Transit’s power needs. Over future decades, the most contaminated soil and water areas on the site could continue to be remediated by cultivating specific plant species that naturally capture or digest toxic chemicals. All elements of such a plan already exist. Here below is the full concept proposal.
Below is a copy of the Hercules Concept Proposal:
CONCEPT FOR DEVELOPMENT OF THE HERCULES PROPERTY, KENVIL, NJ
Prepared by Brian Lynch - July 20, 2025
PROPOSAL SUMMARY
The Hercules property in Roxbury Township is a significant remediation and redevelopment site with a complex ecological history and ongoing cleanup efforts. A novel proposal suggests transforming the site into a 400-acre agrivoltaic solar farm integrating phytoremediation to restore environmental health while generating sustainable energy.
· Hercules property significance: The site has been undergoing cleanup for 25 years and is poised for redevelopment that will impact Roxbury Township’s future quality of life. Its unique ecological features include abundant freshwater springs and wildlife returning as remediation progresses. 1 2
· Environmental challenges: Despite progress, the site contains scattered toxins and multiple landfills with uncertain contents. Cleanup is costly and ongoing, limiting redevelopment to likely light industrial uses. 3 4
· Proposal overview: The concept centers on a 400-acre agrivoltaic solar farm combining elevated solar panels with native vegetation and phytoremediation plants to simultaneously generate electricity, restore habitat, and remediate soil and groundwater toxins. 5 6
· Phytoremediation explained: This bioremediation technique uses plants to absorb, degrade, or immobilize pollutants through processes like phytoextraction, phytodegradation, and rhizofiltration, offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly cleanup method. 7 8
· Agrivoltaic farming details: Agrivoltaics integrates solar panels elevated above crops, maximizing land use by producing food and electricity simultaneously, with benefits including water conservation, crop protection, and enhanced biodiversity. 9 10
· Development considerations: While promising, agrivoltaic and phytoremediation integration requires expert collaboration, technical innovation, and careful planning due to costs, crop selection, and remediation timelines. 1112
· Potential developer interest: Ashland Chemical, the current owner, might develop or lease the site for solar energy production; New Jersey Transit Authority is also a prospective partner given its sustainability goals and nearby rail infrastructure. 13 14
· NJ Transit solar initiatives: NJ Transit is advancing solar projects, including bus garage panels, solar-powered shelters, microgrid development for rail systems, and electric bus programs, aiming for cost savings, sustainability, and operational resilience. 15 16
· Supporting resources: The document includes a webliography listing companies specializing in agrivoltaics and phytoremediation, highlighting the growing industry and technological options for site redevelopment. 17 18
HERCULES DEVELOPMENT PLANS
The Hercules property is a remediation and redevelopment site of great importance to Roxbury Township and the surrounding region. Decommissioning and cleanup work have been ongoing by the property owner, Ashland Chemical, for approximately 25 years, and the property is now available for sale. The development of the land will significantly influence the character and quality of life for Roxbury residents for years to come. Township planners and officials are well-equipped to maximize the potential of any development proposals that the new owner may submit. Given the significance of this property to the township, Roxbury can also adopt a proactive approach that attracts buyers who can best realize the highest and best use of this unique land. To accomplish this, the township must first determine the highest and best uses. What would provide the most benefit to current and future residents? This document presents one possible answer to that question.
HERCULES PROPERTY SITE PROPOSAL CONCEPT
This proposal suggests one way to return the Hercules property to productive use while preserving and enhancing its environmental assets for the benefit of the Township and the region. The property presents unique challenges due to its complex ecological history. It is one of the largest and most complex toxic cleanup sites in New Jersey. At the same time, it has one of the most abundant freshwater springs in the state. The ancient spring water is the source of the Black River, a tributary of the North Branch of the Raritan River. Despite 125 years of environmental damage to the soil and groundwater from explosives manufacturing, the spring water remains abundant, reasonably pure, and cool enough to support American brook lamprey and brook trout. Both species are bioindicators of clean water.
Last July, after two months with no rain, the water volume from the “Great Spring” was still nearly one billion gallons per year. It was enough to help maintain normal water levels at Sunset Lake. At the same time, Drake’s Pond, which drains into the southern wetland of Hercules, was 17 inches below its usual level. During the 25 years it has taken to demolish and bury on site over 300 contaminated buildings that were part of the Hercules manufacturing complex, the land has begun to rewild, and woodland creatures have reestablished their presence on much of the property. This serves, in effect, as an environmental offset to the continuing loss of undeveloped land in Roxbury due to commercial and residential development, which includes state pressure to build more affordable housing in the next ten years.
At the same time, a broad spectrum of toxins remains scattered throughout the property. Numerous large and small landfills on the site, some dating back before World War 1, have poorly documented contents. Bioremediation activity in the significantly polluted TNT area began only three years ago and is not scheduled to be completed for another three years. The overall assessment for the future redevelopment of the site indicates that it will likely be restricted to light industrial use.
Because the property is privately owned, its owner, Ashland Chemical Corporation, has been financially and legally responsible for cleanup operations over the past quarter century at a significant expense to the company. The land was purchased as an investment, so recovery of remediation expenses is an essential consideration for the future sale of the property. The production value of the land must be able to cover this additional cost, as well as the ongoing monitoring and remediation expenses the property requires. Public purchase of this land for preservation purposes may be prohibitively expensive. Future owners will likely be responsible for ongoing environmental monitoring and remediation activities for the foreseeable future.
Given these circumstances and constraints, what is the highest, best use of these 1,000 acres that can also benefit the residents of Roxbury Township? These novel conditions require a novel solution. Is it possible for the land to be productive, preserved, and remediated simultaneously?
Thanks to new environmental innovations, this is now possible. The heart of the proposal is to build a 400-acre “agrivoltaics” solar farm on the site where the crops would be a combination of native vegetation and natural regrowth in areas where the soil can support it, plus “Phytoremediation” or specially selected plant growth areas where toxins in the soil and groundwater require further remediation.
Four hundred acres of elevated solar panels arranged to share sunlight with ground vegetation would generate approximately 160 gigawatts of electricity annually. That is enough electricity to serve 15,000 homes, making the Hercules site financially viable. The elevated solar array would enable native vegetation to regrow on the property, restoring the natural habitat and wildlife while maintaining the rain recharge areas and water quality of the Great Spring. Over time, phytoremediation of polluted soil and groundwater areas would restore these areas to safe, perhaps even pre-industrial levels.
To better understand this proposal, an explanation of the two environmental innovative technologies is required.
What is phytoremediation?
Phytoremediation is a bioremediation technology that utilizes plants to address environmental contamination. It leverages the natural abilities of plants to absorb, degrade, or immobilize pollutants from the environment.
How does it work?
Plants absorb pollutants from the soil into their roots and then transport them to their stems and leaves.
Plants and associated microbes break down organic pollutants into less toxic forms, often using enzymes.
Plants absorb pollutants from water sources, primarily using their roots.
Plants take up volatile pollutants and release them into the atmosphere, sometimes after modifying them.
Plants reduce the mobility and bioavailability of pollutants, preventing them from spreading to other areas.
Why is it beneficial?
Cost-effective: Generally, less expensive than traditional remediation methods like excavation and incineration.
Environmentally friendly: Utilizes natural processes and often preserves the existing ecosystem.
Aesthetically pleasing: Can be incorporated into landscaping and create green spaces.
Soil health: Improves soil health by increasing organic matter and nutrient content.
Examples of successful phytoremediation:
Sunflower: Effectively removes heavy metals like lead from contaminated soil.
Mustard plants, alpine pennycress, hemp, and pigweed: Can hyperaccumulate contaminants at toxic waste sites.
Certain plants can break down ammunition wastes, chlorinated solvents, or herbicides, according to the University of Washington.
Limitations:
Takes time: Phytoremediation can be slower than other methods.
Limited to certain pollutants: Not all pollutants can be effectively remediated by plants.
Requires suitable climate and soil conditions: Optimal plant growth is essential.
May require specialized plant species: Not all plants are suitable for phytoremediation
[See webliography for additional readings reading.]
What is Agrivoltaic Farming?
Agrivoltaic farming, also known as agrivoltaics or dual-use solar, is a system that combines agricultural production with solar energy generation on the same land. It involves an elevated solar panel arrayed in a way that shares the sun’s energy with the crops on the ground. This innovative approach allows for both food and electricity to be produced on the same area of land, maximizing land use and potentially offering numerous benefits.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
How it works:
Dual Land Use:
Solar panels are installed above crops, enabling the simultaneous cultivation of plants and electricity generation.
Solar Panels and Crops:
Different types of solar panels and crops can be utilized, with some research focusing on shade-tolerant crops such as lettuce, berries, and certain vegetables.
Potential Benefits:
Increased Land Efficiency: Agrivoltaics maximizes land use by combining food production with energy generation.
Water Conservation: The shade from solar panels can reduce evaporation and help retain soil moisture, potentially reducing water consumption for irrigation.
Crop Protection: Solar panels can protect crops from harsh weather conditions, such as excessive sunlight, hail, and heavy rain.
Energy Production: Solar panels generate electricity, which can be used to power the farm or be fed into the grid.
Wildlife Habitat: Agrivoltaic systems have the potential to create new habitats for wildlife and enhance biodiversity in agricultural areas.
Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions: By using renewable energy, agrivoltaics can help reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Challenges:
Cost: The initial cost of implementing agrivoltaic systems can be higher than traditional farming or solar panel installations.
Crop Selection: Not all crops are suitable for agrivoltaic systems, and careful selection is needed to ensure optimal yields.
Technical Expertise: Farmers may need to acquire new skills or hire specialized labor to manage and maintain the solar panels.
Potential Yield Reduction: While some crops thrive under shade, others may experience reduced yields, requiring careful planning and crop selection.
In essence, agrivoltaics is an innovative approach to land management that seeks to integrate food production and renewable energy generation, potentially offering a more sustainable and efficient way to utilize land resources
[See webliography for additional readings reading.]
EXAMPLE OF A PROSPECTIVE DEVELOPER FOR A SOLAR FARM
The ideas presented above are more conceptual, outlining what the “highest, best use” might be for the Hercules property. Combining agrivoltaics farming with phytoremediation involves the use of new technologies and innovative engineering plans. Its novelty invites skepticism and requires careful exploration and development before a proposal can be drafted. This requires collaboration with experts from various disciplines and may involve the creation of a coalition with other relevant agencies. But who might take an interest in such a proposal?
Ashland Chemical, the current owner, owns more than a dozen other contaminated properties that need cleanup before they can be sold as brownfields. If the technical requirements for this approach are met and if the electricity production is profitable enough, Ashland might consider developing the property itself or leasing it to a solar energy developer willing to build and operate the facility. This could then serve as a model for Ashland’s other cleanup sites. There are also companies seeking opportunities to build solar facilities that could be recruited. However, there is another organization for whom a solar production site on the Hercules Property appears to be a perfect fit for their clean energy goals: the New Jersey Transit Authority.
NJ Transit is actively pursuing solar energy initiatives as part of its broader sustainability plan, focusing on both cost savings and environmental benefits. These efforts include installing solar panels at bus garages, introducing solar-powered bus shelters, and exploring the potential of a large-scale solar-powered microgrid.
The idea of a solar-powered microgrid to supply electricity for NJTA trains and buses is the most promising. The NJ Transit rail lines give the state the right-of-way needed to create a semi-independent microgrid. Their rail line runs directly along the northern edge of the Hercules tract, and they also have additional land at the nearby Mount Arlington railway station. A 400-acre solar farm, combined with existing plans to add solar generation to existing NJTA properties, could be enough to make an NJ Transit microgrid self-sufficient for its energy needs. NJ Transit's solar initiatives are a key component of its broader sustainability plan, which aims to create a more environmentally friendly and resilient transportation system.
Here are some of the specific solar initiatives currently under development:
NJ Transit is exploring power purchase agreements (PPAs) to install solar canopies at bus garages, like the one planned for the Egg Harbor bus garage near Atlantic City. These agreements typically involve a vendor covering the upfront costs of installation and maintenance, with NJ Transit purchasing the generated electricity at a potentially lower rate than its current utility.
NJ Transit has unveiled its first solar-powered bus shelter, featuring LED lighting, USB charging ports, and a motion sensor to conserve energy. The agency is evaluating the performance of this pilot shelter to determine the feasibility of expanding this program.
NJ Transit is exploring the potential of a large-scale solar and energy storage microgrid to power its rail system. This project could enhance the system's resilience during power outages and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
NJ Transit is also advancing a zero-emission bus fleet through an electric bus pilot program in Camden, with plans for similar projects at other garages. This initiative requires significant infrastructure upgrades, including the modernization of bus garages to support electric buses and the installation of charging stations.
Benefits of Solar Initiatives (per NJTA):
By generating its own power, NJ Transit can potentially reduce its energy costs and long-term expenses.
Solar energy is a clean, renewable energy source that helps NJ Transit reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable transportation system.
Microgrids can provide backup power during outages, enhancing the reliability of NJ Transit's operations.
WEBLIOGROPHY
Further reading on Phytoremediation:
INTRODUCTION TO PHYTOREMEDIATION
https://cfpub.epa.gov/si/si_public_record_report.cfm?Lab=NRMRL&dirEntryId=63433
EPA Phytoremediation Resource Guide
https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-04/documents/phytoresgude.pdf
Phytoremediation A Citizen’s Guide
Phytoremediation of Contaminated Soil and Ground Water at Hazardous Waste Sites | US EPA
9 of 8,146
International Journal of Phytoremediation: Vol 27, No 9 (Current issue)
https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/bijp20/current
Further Readings on Agrivoltaic Farming:
Agrivoltaics: Solar and Agriculture Co-Location | Department of Energy
https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/agrivoltaics-solar-and-agriculture-co-location
The Potential of Agrivoltaics for the U.S. Solar Industry, Farmers, and Communities | Department of Energy
What’s agrivoltaic farming? Growing crops under solar panels | World Economic Forum
https://www.weforum.org/stories/2022/07/agrivoltaic-farming-solar-energy/
ADDENDUM
Companies building agrivoltaic solar farms
Several companies are involved in the burgeoning field of agrivoltaics, which involves co-locating solar energy generation with agricultural production. These companies offer various solutions, from designing and installing specialized systems to managing the integration of solar and farming practices. Here are some of the key players:
Companies specializing in agrivoltaic solutions
Agrivoltaic Solution LLC: Specializes in developing agrivoltaic projects, including those with crops and livestock.
Enel Green Power: A global leader in renewable energy with a strong focus on sustainable dual-use solar practices, including integrating solar panels with vineyards and orchards in California.
Lightsource BP: A major developer experimenting with sheep grazing under solar panels and crop-based agrivoltaics, particularly in Texas and Colorado.
Savion: A Shell subsidiary leading large-scale agrivoltaic projects, including the integration of row crops and solar panels in Ohio.
Silicon Ranch: Focuses on regenerative energy and agrivoltaics, aiming to restore ecosystems and improve land stewardship through practices like regenerative grazing on their solar farms.
Sun'Agri: A French company specializing in agrivoltaic solutions, using dynamic solar tracking and adjusting panel positions to optimize both agricultural conditions and solar power generation.
Next2Sun: A leader in vertical bifacial agrivoltaic systems and bifacial solar fences, emphasizing cost-effective and environmentally friendly power generation.
BayWa: A German company providing carbon-free energy solutions, including expertise in agrivoltaic installation and management, encompassing pilot projects combining solar with fruit production and sheep grazing.
Akuo Energy: A French independent green energy operator involved in designing and constructing innovative renewable energy production models, including agrivoltaics.
TSE Energy: A French company that develops qualitative solar solutions benefiting farmers and rural communities as part of the energy and agricultural transitions.
JA Solar: A Chinese corporation and one of the largest producers of solar products worldwide, expanding into the agrivoltaics market with large-scale projects in Asia.
Insolight: Deploys agrivoltaic systems in France and Switzerland, focusing on areas with intensive agricultural activity.
REM TEC: Offers patented agrivoltaic solutions along with the design and installation of rooftop PV plants and demonstration projects to reduce energy consumption.
TotalEnergies: A French global energy firm exploring agrivoltaic technologies as a way to increase renewable energy production while also supporting agriculture.
Considerations for agrivoltaic development
Balancing solar and agriculture: Agrivoltaics aims to optimize land use for both energy production and agriculture, which often involves customizing panel setups and considering factors like crop type, climate, and farming practices.
Cost and feasibility: Implementing agrivoltaic solutions can be more complex and potentially more expensive than traditional solar installations, particularly if specialized panel heights or designs are needed to accommodate farming equipment.
Regulatory and government support: Government initiatives, subsidies, and research programs play a crucial role in promoting the adoption of agrivoltaics.
Environmental and social benefits: Agrivoltaics can offer advantages like water conservation, improved soil health, and diversified income for farmers, while contributing to renewable energy goals.
Note: This list is not exhaustive, and the agrivoltaics market is constantly evolving with new companies and technologies emerging. Organizations like the American Solar Grazing Association (ASGA), the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), and various universities are actively involved in research, education, and promoting best practices in this field.
PHYTOREMEDIATION COMPANIES
Several companies specialize in phytoremediation, the use of plants to clean up contaminated soil and water. Ecolotree, Intrinsyx Environmental, and Nutter & Associates are examples of such companies. These companies offer various services, including the design and implementation of plant-based solutions for sites contaminated with pollutants like heavy metals, petroleum, and other chemicals.
PHYTOREMEDIATION COMPANIES - Here's a more detailed look at some phytoremediation companies:
· Ecolotree:
This company focuses on using engineered forests to remove and contain pollutants from landfills, lagoons, wastewater, and toxic spills. They offer solutions like ECaps® and EBuffers®, which are engineered forests designed to address these issues.
Intrinsyx uses sustainable, nature-based solutions, including cutting-edge biotechnology and collaborative partnerships, to regenerate contaminated sites. They focus on creating beneficial spaces that restore communities and the environment.
Nutter & Associates is implementing a new phytoremediation investigation to demonstrate the viability of phytoextraction for PFAS-contaminated sites. They are using statistical analysis and a randomized block design with PFOS-accumulating plant species grown in impacted soils.
Offshoots specializes in translating phytotechnology science to landscape designers. They utilize phytotechnologies in constructed landscapes for land planning, site cleanup, and green infrastructure.
This company offers phytoremediation services and is located in Hamilton, OH.
Phytokinetics focuses on the phytoremediation of chemical contaminants in soils and groundwater. They are located in North Logan, UT.
· Phytotech:
This company uses specially selected and engineered plants to treat soil and water contaminated with toxic metals and radionuclides. They refer to the treatment of soils or sediments with this technology as phytoextraction.
· Roux Inc.:
Roux has over 15 years of experience in phytoremediation and offers turnkey services, including water budget and concept development, engineering design, installation, and operation and maintenance, according to their website.
All Phase Environmental Inc.: Offers phytoremediation services utilizing a team of scientists and professionals in various fields.
SynTerra Corp: Has been using phytoremediation for groundwater treatment since 2001.
Applied Natural Sciences Inc.: Offers phytoremediation services.
This list includes companies that specialize in phytoremediation, as well as some larger environmental remediation firms that offer phytoremediation as part of their services. Some of these companies have a national or international presence, while others operate on a more regional scale.
ADENDUM II – DOCUMENT SUMMARY
The Hercules property in Roxbury Township is a significant remediation and redevelopment site with a complex ecological history and ongoing cleanup efforts. A novel proposal suggests transforming the site into a 400-acre agrivoltaic solar farm integrating phytoremediation to restore environmental health while generating sustainable energy.
· Hercules property significance: The site has been undergoing cleanup for 25 years and is poised for redevelopment that will impact Roxbury Township’s future quality of life. Its unique ecological features include abundant freshwater springs and wildlife returning as remediation progresses. 1 2
· Environmental challenges: Despite progress, the site contains scattered toxins and multiple landfills with uncertain contents. Cleanup is costly and ongoing, limiting redevelopment to likely light industrial uses. 3 4
· Proposal overview: The concept centers on a 400-acre agrivoltaic solar farm combining elevated solar panels with native vegetation and phytoremediation plants to simultaneously generate electricity, restore habitat, and remediate soil and groundwater toxins. 5 6
· Phytoremediation explained: This bioremediation technique uses plants to absorb, degrade, or immobilize pollutants through processes like phytoextraction, phytodegradation, and rhizofiltration, offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly cleanup method. 7 8
· Agrivoltaic farming details: Agrivoltaics integrates solar panels elevated above crops, maximizing land use by producing food and electricity simultaneously, with benefits including water conservation, crop protection, and enhanced biodiversity. 9 10
· Development considerations: While promising, agrivoltaic and phytoremediation integration requires expert collaboration, technical innovation, and careful planning due to costs, crop selection, and remediation timelines. 1112
· Potential developer interest: Ashland Chemical, the current owner, might develop or lease the site for solar energy production; New Jersey Transit Authority is also a prospective partner given its sustainability goals and nearby rail infrastructure. 13 14
· NJ Transit solar initiatives: NJ Transit is advancing solar projects including bus garage panels, solar-powered shelters, microgrid development for rail systems, and electric bus programs, aiming for cost savings, sustainability, and operational resilience. 15 16
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