Worried About Hidden Mold?

Months of health issues lead this family to hire a mold investigator who suspected water intrusion through cable penetrations.

Think You Have Hidden Mold?

Water dripping in through an exterior wall went undetected for years until hidden mold growth was thought to be the cause of health effects.

I’m sure you checked all the obvious sources. But lets face it, this is where a pro comes in handy. A mold testing investigator is an expert at assessing your home to not only identify mold, but the possible sources of water intrusion that triggers mold growth. Some water sources are nothing more than a drip.

What Should I Do?

Behind the wall, several small holes from old cable lines were found to be the source of water intrusion triggering mold growth.

First don’t panic; this is more common than you think. Once the hidden mold is identified it can be remediated. But be prepared to spend a few $’s for mold testing. It may take several tests and a few site visits to track down that sneaky hidden mold.

Need Some Help From A Mold Pro?

Does your family have persistent illnesses that you suspect might be caused from hidden mold? GreenWorks can help! We live at the cutting edge of where your home environment collides with the natural environment. We are experts at using simple, sound science to create affordable solutions to just about any environmental issue. Give us a call and we’ll help you figure it out.

Pssst - Check out this hidden mold video

The post Mold Testing for Hidden Mold appeared first on GreenWorks Environmental LLC.

Worried About Contaminated Flood Waters?

Common Household Chemicals found in a typical garage. Multiply this by thousands of homes and you get the picture!

We are and so should you! It is not uncommon for flood waters to contain all sorts of harmful mold, contaminants and debris.

As the flood travels inland, it picks up a host of contaminants that bind to sediment and “fines”.  Everything from septic and municipal treatment facility sewage to thousands of chemicals stored in garages, industrial facilities, fuel oil tanks, land fills even residual pesticides and road waste from agricultural areas and road surfaces that concentrate in the sludge. As the flood waters recede, the sludge gets trapped behind your walls in the insulation, basement foundation and crawl space.

What Should I do?

No one knows for sure, but to get rid of mold and flood sludge sounds like a good idea! As the compounds bind to sediment it is likely they will be around for some time (unless removed by an environmental contractor). Getting rid of the mold and removing that layer of sludge and the contaminated insulation could save you years of guess work later.

How Bad is this Really?

Flood Sludge settles in low areas and dead spaces of your home. This is what it looks like after you kneel in it. Try getting it off your clothes – it’s just about impossible!

Many of the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) will actually ”off-gas” and vaporize.  Not a direct problem if outside (and diluted). But what about the Flood Sludge under your home and in the walls? These VOC gases concentrate and create more problems inside your home. And we’re not talking about just a bad smell here. Off-gassing and “Vapor Intrusion” (VI) are getting a lot of attention theses days from NJDEP who just recently released guidelines for “Vapor Intrusion”. This is pretty technical stuff that is a real problem.

Want to Get Rid of Mold Flood Sludge?

Was your home damaged by Sandy and you want to bounce some environmental questions off an expert? GreenWorks can help! We live at the cutting edge of where your home environment collides with the natural environment. We are experts at using simple, sound science to create affordable solutions to get rid of mold and just about any other environmental issue. Give us a call or forward this piece along to one of your friends. We’ll appreciate it and so will your friends!

Pssst - Check-out this video of a nasty flood-impacted crawl space.

The post Get Rid of Your Mold and Flood Sludge appeared first on GreenWorks Environmental LLC.

There’s nothing like a home at the Jersey Shore! Unless your one of the 1,000′s of homes flooded by Super Storm Sandy. Living near water was the inherent risk of flooding. So it’s important to know your flood risk and how to take action.

Even homes built to the newest construction standards were devastated by the storm. This home built 5 years ago was hit with a 15 foot surge that washed through the main floor of the home and destroyed the lower garage level

FEMA and New Jersey Flood Zones

FEMA flood maps have long been used to establish New Jersey flood zones for development and insurance purposes. But we are finding that these maps are not set in stone and are changing. In fact the most recent Advisory Base Flood Elevation (ABFE) report shows the NJ Shore will be drastically changed by the new mapping.

What will the Shore Look Like?

The new ABFE’s are adding on average 4-5 feet to our flood elevations and expanding the flood zones. According to shore architect Marc Nemergut, “New construction will need to adhere to flood zone building standards which means we will be going up. Expanded homes may also need to meet the new standards. The impacts will be sweeping, construction costs will escalate and the look of the shore will change overnight.” Marc suggests that when starting a development project near flood zones that planning plays an even more pivotal role so partner with an expert.

Want to Learn More about New Jersey Flooding and your Environment?

Was your home damaged by Sandy and you want to bounce some environmental questions off an expert? GreenWorks can help! We live at the cutting edge of where your home environment collides with the natural environment. We are experts at using simple, sound science to create affordable solutions to just about any environmental issue. Give us a call or forward this piece along to one of your friends. We’ll appreciate it and so will your friends!

Pssst - Check-out this video of a storm ravage section of Normandy Beach, NJ

The post New Flood Elevations Changing the Jersey Shore appeared first on GreenWorks Environmental LLC.

Mitigate Your Flood and Mold Contamination

Not many people are aware of the property disclosure requirements that will hit you years from now when you are trying to sell your property. As part of any property transaction, completion of a sellers disclosure document is mandatory. Not disclosing flooding as significant as Hurricane Sandy is bound to cause issue with any property transaction. Any good attorney will identify properties located in the devastated shore areas. The first question they will be asking is “how did you mitigate your flood damage and mold contamination”.

Satisfy Any Future Inquiries

That’s where having a firm like GreenWorks by your side will pay dividends for years to come. GreenWorks will assess the impact to your property and come up with the appropriate remediation and sterilization solutions to address your flooding and mold contamination. We will also provide you with a clearance document that will satisfy any future attorney inquiries about how you manage your flood waters.

Protect Your Home

Don’t knee jerk react to your flooding and mold issues. Now is the time to plan an appropriate detailed strategy to protect one of your largest investments. Your home.

A walk-through of a devastated New Jersey home being gutted for mold remediation.

Contact Greenworks

The post Mold Removal and Remediation New Jersey appeared first on GreenWorks Environmental LLC.

Here are some flood safety tips that may help protect you and get you through some issues you will most likely face from these storms.

1. Timing – You have 48 hours to dry out your home before mold will start to become a problem. Don’t knee-jerk react, create a plan.
2. Dangerous Waters – Flood waters contain all sorts of enviro-nasties from raw sewage and fuel oils to chemicals and debris. Safety First.
3. Personal Protection – simple protective rubber gloves, boots, coveralls with an appropriate respirator work very well to protect yourself.
4. Cleanliness – Wash your hands and face thoroughly (and often) with clean water and when working with flood debris to prevent illness.
5. Simple Sanitizer – Mixing one cup of bleach with one gallon of water makes an effective sanitizer and mold killer for quick / short term use in well ventilated areas.
6. Cleaner Safety – never mix cleaning agents. In particular bleach with ammonia for it can cause dangerous gases to be produced.
7. Exhaustion – Over exertion (physical & mental) is common. Watch for the signs and pace yourself.
8. Older Homes – Much of our older home stock is riddled with hidden enviro issues like asbestos, lead paint, oil tanks, old wiring that complicate cleanup and restoration. Be mindful of hidden dangers.
9. Hot Spots – Permeable materials (like sheet rock & insulation) coupled with low / flooded areas (like basements & crawl spaces) will absorb / collect flood waters like a sponge & concentrate enviro-nasties. Be sure these materials are demolished / removed and the areas are sanitized as part of your cleanup plan.
10. Contractors – Ask for references, copies of insurance certificates and business licenses. Don’t fall prey to shifty contractors.

10.5 Call GreenWorks – When in Doubt, Take it Out! Or call a local expert for assistance.

The post Top 10.5 Post Flood Safety Tips appeared first on GreenWorks Environmental LLC.

Below is a pic courtesy of the US Coast Guard where the Atlantic Ocean pushed through the NJ barrier island at Mantoloking joining the Barnegat Bay.

Be Prepared for More

Another storm of Noreaster proportions is scheduled to hit NJ wednesday delivering arctic temperatures and several inches of rain / freezing rain & snow. This will add to the devastation received by Sandy last week. So prepare for the worst; fill bath tubs with water, stock pile wood and propane for heat, batteries and food. There is a good chance that power lines will come down adding to the already widespread power outages. If you don’t need your supplies, watch for those in need and help out where you can.

Freezing conditions compound drainage challenged areas as soils are saturated and cannot handle more water or ice sheets which prevent new water from being absorbed into ground and flood basements at accelerated rates. Keep an eye on the storm as conditions can change very quickly.

Need Advice from the Experts?

Call Greenworks at (732) 223-2073

The post What to Expect Next in New Jersey appeared first on GreenWorks Environmental LLC.

Water Drainage challenges here in NJ are more common than you would think. Older homes, new homes, renovated homes – seems water drainage is the last thing on everyone’s minds.

Remember the Water Cycle?

What’s a Water Management Strategy Anyway?

Managing water is like a General commanding his troops. There’s the Front Line (Your Gutters and grading), the flanks (Penetrations into your home) and the rear (soil conditions & groundwater).

Water Always Wins, So have a Backup Plan.

When designing a WMS, it’s a safe bet that something will go ary, so have a backup plan. By understanding that all WMS are prone to failure, having three or more backups is key to keeping you home dry. But nothing takes the place of a well informed home owner.

So Why is Water Still Such a Problem?

With older homes, we just did not have the building science we have today. With newer homes it’s about profit & meeting the minimum building requirements.

Want to Learn More about Water Drainage in NJ and your Environment?

Thinking of buying a property and want to bounce some environmental questions off an expert? GreenWorks can help! We live at the cutting edge of where your home environment collides with the natural environment. We are experts at using simple, sound science to create affordable solutions to just about any environmental issue. Give us a call or forward this piece along to one of your “real estate”  friends. We’ll appreciate it and so will your friends!

Pssst - Check-out this video of a recent drainage project in Fair Haven, New Jersey.

The post Drainage Services NJ appeared first on GreenWorks Environmental LLC.

There are definitely some deals to be had in just about any real estate market, even more so in the current marketplace. But when the deal seems too good to be true or your lender just wants some assurance that there are no looming environmental issues, that’s when the Phase I makes a lot of sense.

What the !*#&% is a Phase I Anyway?

Phase I Site Investigation

Known as an Environmental Site Assessment (ESA), the Phase I ESA is considered the first step in the process of performing environmental due diligence. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set the standards for performing an All Appropriate Inquiry, which a Phase I is based in part on (ASTM in Standard E1527-05). New Jersey’s Site Remediation Program (SRP) even has their own version called a Preliminary Assessment (PA).

Sound complicated? It can be! But don’t get confused; performing a Phase I meets the requirements of CERCLA (The Innocent Landowner Act) which protects the purchaser from otherwise hidden environmental constraints incurred by others. That’s extremely important.

A Good Tool for Negotiations

A good negotiator will recognize the real power of the Phase I lies in not only identifying hidden environmental issues and Federal protections, but that the resulting report is an excellent tool at the negotiation table.  Many real estate investors leverage the Phase I findings against the purchase price. Often, the current landowner knows little, if anything, about a Phase I, and can often be swayed to better terms over the knowledge of potential environmental issues that may be uncovered.

All Phase I’s Are Not Created Equal

So your shopping Phase I’s, but how can you tell who’s going to serve up a “boiler plate” Phase I versus a well researched and thought out Phase I? Ask for a sample of one or check some references. The environmental professional should have no issue in sharing a sample of his work. Lets face it, this is a big deal and education is a huge part of all this. Take some time to find the right firm to partner with.

So Why Doesn’t Everyone Conduct a Phase I?

The Phase I is a common tool when performing property Due Diligence. However, many property speculators still prefer to “roll the dice” regarding hidden environmental constraints. When one considers the protection offered by a Phase 1 versus the minimal cost, it’s clear that more Phase I’s should be done. The Phase I is one of the most important tools in your Due Diligence arsenal.

Want to Learn More about Phase I and your Environment?

Thinking of buying a property and want to bounce some environmental questions off an expert? GreenWorks can help! We live at the cutting edge of where your home environment collides with the natural environment. We are experts at using simple, sound science to create affordable solutions to just about any enviromental issue. Give us a call or forward this piece along to one of your “real estate”  friends. We’ll appreciate it and so will your friends!

Pssst – Check out a site inspection conducted as part of a dual commercial / residential Phase I assessment. Caution: It ain’t pretty!

The post Property Transactions Require Phase I Due Diligence appeared first on GreenWorks Environmental LLC.

There is no way to totally eliminate mold and mold spores from your indoor environment. Mold is one of the most common  living organisms on the planet. But you can take steps to ensure that mold growth doesn’t get out of hand.

What the Heck is “Normal Fungal Ecology” Anyway?

Normal mold growth is usually not visible to the naked eye. It’s when mold starts to grow out of control forming large “visible” colonies that normal fungal ecology has gotten out-of-whack. A good goal for any home environment is to shoot for a state of normal fungal ecology less than what you would find in your outside environment. It is when normal fungal ecology gets out of hand that one is prone to ill health effects, unhealthy indoor air and property damage.

Want to Control Mold? Get Rid of the Moisture!

The key to controlling mold is effectively dealing with moisture. What many people don’t realize is that elevated humidity is a moisture problem. Mold doesn’t like growing in water. It prefers humid environments that often go undetected. One of the most effective ways to control moisture is by improvingventilation throughout your home.

 Think of Your House Like a Breathing Organism

Most organisms have some sort of respiratory system and your home is no different. BauBiology is the concept of thinking of your home as a living, breathing organism. It often helps one better understand how it interacts with the external environment. Most homes are equipped with an HVAC system of sorts. But many people often forget that those systems only operate during periods of extreme heat or cold. When your system isn’t operating, your home has stopped breathing – and that’s when things can get interesting. Supplementing your home with 24/7 ventilation is often a very economical way to manage moisture in your home.

Want to Learn More About Mold and Your Environment?

Got a little mold issue that you want to bounce off an expert? Well GreenWorks can help! We live at the cutting edge of where your home environment collides with the natural environment. We are experts at using simple sound science to create affordable solutions to just about any enviromental issue. So give us a call or forward this piece along to one of your “moldy”  friends. We’ll appreciate it and so will your friends!

Pssst - Check out an innovative approach to mold damage restoration using closed cell spray foam.

The post Mold in Your Home Ain’t so Bad, It’s Natural! appeared first on GreenWorks Environmental LLC.

I know you’re buzzzzzy but, the honey bees could use your help! As an apiarist, I have a soft spot in my heart for the plight of the western honey bee (Apis mellifera). Overworked, underpaid and often mis-understood, the honey bee could use a break. Over the past few years, honey bee colonies have been disappearing at an alarming rate from CCD (Colony Collapse Disorder). Thirty Five states (and many countries abroad) have reported losing over 30% of their honey bee colonies. To the casual observer, one might say “What’s the big deal”? Well, just try to imagine a life without the honey bee – it would be pretty bleak!

Those Busy Bees

The natural plant world expends a lot of energy attracting bees (and other insects) with brilliantly colored flowers and sweet nectar. U.S. agriculture depends on the honey bee to pollinate the plants’ so fruit and vegetables will set. The local native pollinating insects just can’t do the job all on their own. Without the honey bee, many of your favorite fruits and vegetables would be too expensive to produce. Not to mention the loss of honey and beeswax production. The loss of the honey bee is something that would ultimately affect everyone. In fact, the honey bee is so important to many local economies, it’s the State insect for 16 States – including New Jersey.

Honey Bee Ice Cream

Many companies are getting involved in helping the honey bee by incorporating education and awareness into their business operations. Haagen-Dazs ice cream in particular has taken the matter to heart and set up a Help Save the Honey Bee website. At the site, people can educate themselves about CCD, learn about research they support, what one can do on their own to help the bees and a whole bunch of other cool bee info. Check it out!

The Social Bee

Getting involved in enviro issues is not new to the corporate world, in fact it’s called CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility). Many companies are learning that giving back to their community and the environment not only helps the planet, but actually pays huge dividends. We all benefit from CSR and consumers are taking notice of the firms that participate in CSR.

Want to Learn More About Bees and Your Environment?

Thinking of adding a little CSR to your home or business? Well GreenWorks can help! We live at the cutting edge of where your home environment collides with the natural one. We are experts at using simple science to create affordable solutions to just about any enviro issue. So give us a call or forward this piece along to one of your “busy bee” friends. We’ll appreciate it and so will the honey bees!

Psssst – Check out how these kids Do the Honey Bee dance. You won’t think about honey bees the same ever again!

The post The Plight of the Honey Bee and Colony Collapse Disorder appeared first on GreenWorks Environmental LLC.

Whether you want to create some exterior space or renovate your interior, GreenWorks can help you create a Home environment your neighbors will envy that will be respectful of its surroundings and adds value to your investment. There is no bigger monetary (or emotional) investment than that of your home. Don’t put this off because the task seems monumental and you lack a clear direction. Simply connect with GreenWorks and we’ll show you how to get started.

The post Green Starts Here appeared first on GreenWorks Environmental LLC.

Environmental issues are complex, ever-evolving and heavily regulated by local, county, state, and federal agencies. Having a team that knows the ins and outs of these departments is crucial. But even more imperative is anticipating the potential environmental issues and project pit-falls to save time and expense. At GreenWorks, we’ve worked with regulatory agencies before and can navigate compliance with these organizations and put your best interests first. Don’t settle for anything less!

The post Our Environment appeared first on GreenWorks Environmental LLC.

It all Starts with a Plan. You’ve heard the proverb “he who fails to plan, plans to fail”; well with GreenWorks, we know planning! With the use of proprietary tools like our “Design Wish List” and a passion for excellence we put planning in a whole new light – one of discovery and enlightenment! Our team will introduce you to everything from new technologies and processes to simple science and affordable solutions that will broaden your views of what’s attainable with your environment. You will be amazed at how enjoyable the process is.

The post Your Property appeared first on GreenWorks Environmental LLC.

Thankfully, you’re smart enough to call GreenWorks.

That’s exactly what the real property owner did when confronted with the situation described above. We went to work to prove the technical claims of the state’s enforcement agency were inaccurate. Using historical geographical data, in-the-field research, soil boring and extensive research, GreenWorks discovered that site disturbances on the property went all the way back to the early 20th century. Over the decades, and many years before our client purchased the property, County, State & Federal agencies actually realigned the stream several times where the previous owners cleared and filled wooded wetlands and flood plains.

Once we had the facts, we then needed to lay it out clearly and make our case to the Department of Environmental Protection/ After doing just that, the fines were reduced saving our client more than $100,000. Additionally, the amount of land on the property that needed to be  restored was significantly decreased from 10 acres to 1 acre.

These types of violations never used to get this much attention, but now many towns and State agencies are increasingly relying upon serving up NOV’s as part of their revenue strategy. In this case, what began as an aggressive enforcement action requiring hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines and improvements ended up as a minor restoration that saved our clients money, time and lots of headaches.

So, if you know a homeowner being cited for an illegal dock, bulkhead or property improvements with no permits, or commercial/industrial operation not in compliance with air emission or solid waste disposal standards, have them give GreenWorks a call. We’ll work hard to get the cross hairs off their back!

The post Enforcement Action Puts Farm Owner in Cross Hairs appeared first on GreenWorks Environmental LLC.

The post Property Purchaser’s Due Diligence appeared first on GreenWorks Environmental LLC.

Everyone has questions. We have answers.

Have you ever picked up that phone and made the tough call to get help only to find out later that you didn’t know what you needed help with in the first place?

Let’s face it, we all have.

But when dealing with environmental matters, don’t become a victim of “DIY-itus.” Enviro issues are complex and the legislative, regulatory and municipal entanglements surrounding them even more so.

Consider mold, for instance. Did you know that many home owner insurance policies cover “water intrusion” which is a primary culprit in triggering mold growth? We do, and we write our reports to reflect that so your claim stands a better chance of being approved.

How about TCE? It’s the de-greasing agent in dry cleaning fluid (a real enviro nasty!). Groundwater contaminated by TCE does not break down naturally, and the surrounding neighborhood impacts can last for decades. Did you know that the contaminated groundwater “plume” moves over time and its residential “vapor intrusion” is the real hazard to homeowners. We do, and we detail the testing that’s potentially needed as part of a property transaction accordingly so that a proper assessment can be made and a deal can be done.

Got LUST? Leaking Underground Storage Tanks are a major headache to clean up. The tightly regulated tanks cost New Jersey homeowners millions every year. But, did you know that not all leaking underground storage tank are created equal? We do, and we quickly make that determination to aide in assessing potential impacts to a property which saves our clients time, expense and anxiety.

Want exceptional value?

Any firm that does not take the time to understand your overall project goal, in addition to what they were hired for, may not be giving you the service you thought you hired them for. GreenWorks understands that all decisions are strategic in nature, which is why we endeavor to give you only the service that you truly need. The success of your project, be it commercial or residential, is our #1 priority.

The post Environmental Strategies, Services….and Success! appeared first on GreenWorks Environmental LLC.

At the northern edge of the Barnegat Bay, a mixed-use commercial and residential building is currently undergoing massive renovations and remodeling. The building and surrounding property that sits on Mantoloking Road in Brick will soon be a showcase for leading sustainable and green technologies. The first floor of the building will be a commercial property, the second floor, residential.  Now known as “Point Sea,” it is the mastermind of the area’s premier architect and green builder, Paul Barlo.

GreenWorks Environmental was proud to be part of the wetlands restoration aspect of the project. The wetlands that buffer Barnegat Bay along the southern edge of the property are extremely sensitive and important to the quality of the bay and the surrounding environment. The restoration project increased the total amount of wetlands, improved the wetlands’ long-term viability and enhanced the environment to better reflect its original state. Of course, the wetlands will do their work and filter out pollutants, act as a natural buffer and provide habitat for many indigenous species.

Here are some the green technological highlights being deployed at Point Sea.

Outside
Wetlands Restoration – Improves water quality, protects Barnegat Bay and provides a permanent wetlands to a sensitive and critically important buffer area.

Shell Driveway – Driveway is permeable meaning that water can flow through the surface and to the soil below. This improves stormwater quality. No paving on site.

Rainwater Harvesting – Provides a renewable source of water for landscaping, plant beds, flowers. Water bills are also reduces as the need for municipal water for lawns declines.

Solar Panels – Installed on an outdoor trellis, solar panels will provide 10KW of renewable, green energy to the residential property on the second floor.

Wind Turbine – Installed behind the main building, a wind turbine will provide 10KW of renewable, green energy to the commercial property on the first floor.

Point Sea from behind. This portion of the building faces Barnegat Bay.

Inside
High-Efficiency Heating, Venting and Air Conditioning – HVAC system improves indoor air quality and reduces energy consumption.

Foamed-In Insulation – Ensures year-round comfort and lowers energy bills.

LED Lighting – Drastically reduces harmful greenhouse gas emissions.

Paints and Finishings Made From Non-Volatile Organic Compounds – Improve indoor air quality and health of the entire building….along with all its occupants!

Savant Home Automation System – Keeps all the home’s system continuously performing at their most efficient, saving money and guaranteeing peace of mind.

Bamboo Flooring – Harvested from sustainable sources while being extremely durable and attractive.

Non-Formaldehyde Cabinets - Give off very low toxins compared to cabinets that use formaldehyde.

Sun-Sensing Shades – Provide cool relief in the summer and warm comfort in the winter…automatically.

As you can see, Point Sea is a extremely innovative, environmentally-conscious “super green” project!The Jersey Shore hasn’t seen anything quite like this yet. It’s not only a visionary display of what’s possible, it’s also an inspiration to see how we can better live in balance with our environment.

Stay tuned for further updates as the Point Sea project progresses.

The post Point Sea Offers Vision of Sustainability for Jersey Shore appeared first on GreenWorks Environmental LLC.

The world of municipal real estate tax appeals is unlike any other. Lawyers, politicians, residents and accountants all have a significant say not only in your property taxes, but also in the outcome of your property tax appeal. The deck is stacked against taxpayers before they even show up to their tax appeal.

How could that be?

A little something called the “Presumption of Correctness.”

The Presumption of Correctness is a legal doctrine in New Jersey that assumes the municipality is correct in how it levied its taxes against you. That means the default position where any tax appeal starts at is, you’re wrong. If the town had outdated information, improperly trained evaluators or just negligent or incompetent staff, unless you can prove otherwise, the town is presumed to be correct.

That’s a tough position for any homeowner to be in. You can see the results at the tax appeal hearings. The great mass of taxpayers’ appeals are routinely rejected because the town is presumed to be correct at the outset and the property owners are not properly armed with the data, evidence and facts needed to overcome the Presumption of Correctness. Overcoming the presumption of correctness is the golden key to winning your tax appeal.

But don’t take our word for it. Listen to what Sarah says about her tax appeal coordinated by GreenWorks.

The post The Golden Key to Winning Your Tax Appeal appeared first on GreenWorks Environmental LLC.

A new electronic permitting program offered by the state Department of Environmental (DEP) Protection was successfully utilized for a GreenWorks-led project on Barnegat Bay. The new on-line coastal general permit program is the first of its kind for the DEP’s Land Use Regulation Program. Property owners or their contractors can apply on-line for permits and within minutes get decisions on projects to replace bulkheads with identically sized bulkheads or to replace docks in man-made lagoons.

That’s precisely what happened when GreenWorks was one of the first to use the web-based permitting system for a client in Brick. A bulkhead replacement and new dock project moved along efficiently once the required state permits were electronically acquired. The residential project would’ve taken weeks, if not months, under the previous paper-based system. The online permitting system provided by DEP is a welcome solution for projects that have minimal environmental impact but can tie up DEP resources that could be better used elsewhere, as DEP Commissioner Bob Martin stated.

The post E-Permit Moves Project Along for GreenWorks Client appeared first on GreenWorks Environmental LLC.

Thankfully, he called GreenWorks.

We went to work immediately and coordinated with officials in Manasquan. The restoration work began and due to our highly-trained, productive team of professionals, the final price was 50% less than what was initially anticipated.

Additionally, the Borough of Manasquan was happy with the solution and the timeline met by GreenWorks, which was good news for the homeowner, for us and for local officials.

“GreenWorks was very cooperative and easy to work with,” said Patrick Callahan, heading of Zoning and Code Enforcement for the Borough of Manasquan. Callahan went on to say that working with GreenWorks was a “good experience” and the company did a good job presenting all the technical information and resolving the issue in a timely manner.

This example highlights an important issue that we encounter all the time: due diligence. A call to GreenWorks for an appropriate due diligence before the property purchase would’ve revealed the issues that were eventually required to be corrected.

When similar issues are revealed before purchasing a property, a due diligence investigation will identify them so the purchaser can make a fully informed decision.

The post Stream Corridor Issues Turn Into Success in Manasquan appeared first on GreenWorks Environmental LLC.

A basic residential rainwater harvesting system

You probably know that rainwater harvesting is a smart step to a greener home and greener bank account. Using rainwater for watering and other residential uses conserves drinking water and lowers your water bill. It’s a win-win, especially for Jersey Shore residents who have high water bills.

But did you know that harvesting rainwater during storms and releasing slowly later on during non-storm events helps take the pressure off impaired waterways (like the Barnegat Bay) which get inundated with stormwater sheet flow from impervious surfaces. If every homeowner added a 50 gallon rain barrell to their property that quickly adds up to millions of gallons of water attenuation.

Now, GreenWorks is making it easier than ever to go green blue by giving away a free rainwater barrel for home use! The new rain barrel will introduce you to rainwater harvesting and begin saving you money right away.

How do you enter the contest?

1. Look for the free Coffee News publication at any of 800 local restaurants in Ocean and Monmouth County.

2. Find the GreenWorks ad and follow the directions to be entered into the drawing for a brand new, free rainwater barrel for rainwater harvesting at your home!

GreenWorks Environmental is a certified rainwater harvesting expert and is proud to work with RainXchange amongst other leading companies.

The post GreenWorks Giveaway: Rainwater Harvesting Barrel for Your Home appeared first on GreenWorks Environmental LLC.

Initially, the deal almost didn’t happen when mold was discovered in the home. GreenWorks, a certified mold remediator in the state of New Jersey, was brought in to assess the situation and resolve the mold issue. Mold represents a potentially dangerous threat inside a home. Indoor air quality is negatively impacted by mold that can lead to respiratory conditions and potentially unhealthy air in the home. GreenWorks was able to remediate the mold and provided post-remediation sampling, demonstrating to the home seller and buyer that the issue was resolved.

The deal moved ahead, and buyer and seller were very happy with the outcome.

Don’t let mold or other environmental issues scuttle a home or property purchase. As soon as those issues surface, contact GreenWorks for a thorough assessment of the situation and a complete cleanup solution that will get the transaction back on track.

The post Mold Remediation in Monmouth County Home appeared first on GreenWorks Environmental LLC.

What can homeowners, business owners and concerned citizens do to have a positive impact on their environment AND their bottom line? Check out our 2011 Green Resolutions for ideas to get started!

1. Recycle Rainwater
2. Cook Local
3. Drive Green
4. Sip Energy
5. Reduce / Reuse / Recycle
6. Green Biz Strategy
7. Buy & Build Green
8. Plan Sustainably
9. Join a Community Supporter Agriculture Farm
10. Solarize

The post Green Resolutions for 2011 appeared first on GreenWorks Environmental LLC.

When the snow hits and our neighborhoods are covered in the white stuff, GreenWorks transforms into SnowWorks! Last year, we plowed and removed snow from residential and commercial properties throughout Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

This year, we’re offering current clients and property owners a special “Snow Be Gone” package that will cover all your snow removal needs for one flat, affordable investment.

Let’s face it: if you’re negotiating a price to have snow removed from your property when there’s a foot of snow on the ground…well, as a property owner, you’re not exactly in the power position. Avoid the hassle of haggling then waiting for someone to show up. Take care of all your snow removal needs now, put some green back in your pocket and get the white stuff off your property this year without a care in the world…the SnowWorks way!

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Welcome to autumn, one of our favorite times of the year!

Now, about that “backyard.”

Perhaps your backyard wasn’t all you hoped it would be over the summer. Those dreams of entertaining family and friends around a fire pit? Never happened. Converting that lawn to a “natural lawn”? Great idea. The cool embrace of the perfect pool on a hot summer day? Maybe next year.

Aha! Next year!

The time to plan for next year is now. Let’s face it, time passes faster than most of us would like. Before we know it, the holidays will be a memory and we’ll be thinking about Memorial Day cookouts. Let’s get the backyard ready for those cookouts and summer 2011 now.

A backyard upgrade or complete transformation doesn’t happen overnight. It’s important to have the time to do the proper planning and work that’s needed for a high-quality job that will provide decades of enjoyment. In fact, planning now can actually save you money in the long run by taking advantage of stock over-runs, end of year specials and advanced planning.

It’s time now to think about how you want to spend those summer afternoons next year. If you finally want to get more out of your backyard – more enjoyment, more value, more relaxation – then it’s time now to contact GreenWorks. Give Victor a call now at 732-223-2073.

This time next year, you’ll be glad you did.

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The classes are expected to fill up fast with local environmental consultants, building service professionals, local municipal & county officials, green advocates and homeowners. The lectures and, accompanying information will be fully adaptable whether the end-use is residential, commercial, industrial or governmental. Even if you’re not currently planning to install a green roof on your property, the lectures will provide excellent, reliable information on green living and how simple lifestyle choices can make a big green difference for your home, your family and your community.

You can enroll online via the Ocean County College website. For more information or answers to your questions, please call the GreenWorks headquarters at 732-223-2073.

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