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During Phase 1 ESA, our qualified environmental specialist conducts a quality assessment of your property; this includes a historical review, interviews and a physical examination of the site. The purpose of the assessment is to identify the possibility of contamination that may affect the property, such as previous land use or nearby operations. The aim is to determine if there are any recognized environmental factors (RECs) that indicate that the property may be contaminated or is at risk of contamination. The results of the Phase 1 ESA are documented in a report that includes a summary of the evaluation process, the RECs identified, and recommendations for further investigation if needed.
This report helps real estate buyers, lenders and other stakeholders make decisions about real estate risks and liabilities.It is important to note that the Phase 1 ESA is an initial assessment and does not include clinical or laboratory testing. If significant environmental concerns are identified, a Phase 2 ESA will be approved with further research and testing to determine the presence and extent of contamination.
A Phase II Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is a comprehensive investigation conducted to evaluate the presence and extent of environmental contamination on a particular property. It is typically performed following a Phase I ESA, which identifies potential environmental risks based on historical records, site visits, and interviews. The Phase II ESA involves physical sampling and testing of soil, groundwater, surface water, and air to confirm the presence and concentration of contaminants. During a Phase II ESA, our environmental consultants collect samples from various media such as soil, groundwater, and building materials. These samples are analyzed in a laboratory to determine the presence and concentration of hazardous substances or pollutants.
The investigation aims to assess the potential risks to human health and the environment and to evaluate the need for remediation or further actions to mitigate these risks. The findings of a Phase II ESA are typically summarized in a comprehensive report that includes the sampling methodology, laboratory results, data interpretation, and recommendations for further actions. These recommendations may involve additional sampling, remediation measures, or further assessments depending on the level of contamination identified. The Phase II ESA provides crucial information for property owners, developers, and regulators to make informed decisions regarding the management and redevelopment of the site while ensuring environmental protection.
The RBCA process involves several key steps. First, a site assessment is conducted to identify the contaminants present and their potential pathways of exposure. This includes analyzing soil, groundwater, and air samples, as well as evaluating potential receptors such as nearby residents or sensitive ecosystems. Once the risks are understood, risk-based screening levels or cleanup goals are established to determine the level of remediation required. These goals are typically based on specific risk criteria or regulatory standards.
Finally, corrective actions are implemented to reduce or eliminate the risks. These actions may include source removal, containment, treatment, or monitoring to ensure that the risks are effectively managed. RBCA provides a structured framework for evaluating and addressing environmental risks associated with contaminated sites. It promotes a practical and cost-effective approach to remediation by focusing efforts on areas of highest risk, while taking into consideration the potential impacts on human health and the environment.
UST (Underground Storage Tank) installation involves the process of placing a tank beneath the ground to store various substances, such as petroleum products or chemicals. The installation typically requires careful planning, engineering, and compliance with local regulations to ensure safety and environmental protection. The process involves several key steps, including site assessment and preparation, tank selection and sizing, excavation and tank placement, and connecting the tank to the necessary piping and monitoring systems. Proper installation is crucial to prevent leaks, contamination of soil and groundwater, and potential hazards to human health and the environment. UST removal refers to the process of excavating and eliminating an underground storage tank that is no longer in use or poses a risk. Removal is often necessary due to tank deterioration, changes in regulations, or site redevelopment.
The removal process involves several essential steps, including obtaining necessary permits, draining and cleaning the tank, excavating the tank and surrounding soil, and properly disposing of the tank and any contaminated materials. Careful consideration and adherence to regulations are crucial during removal to prevent soil and groundwater contamination, protect nearby structures, and ensure the safe handling and disposal of hazardous materials present in the tank. Environmental assessments and remediation may also be necessary following tank removal to mitigate any potential contamination and restore the site to its original condition.
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A Phase II Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is conducted following a Phase I ESA when potential contamination is identified, aiming to gather more detailed data on the extent and severity of the contamination. It involves collecting soil, groundwater, and/or air samples to analyze for hazardous substances. The Phase II ESA is necessary to assess risks to human health and the environment, determine the feasibility of cleanup actions, ensure regulatory compliance, and make informed decisions during property transactions or development projects.
UST installation and removal refers to the process of installing and removing Underground Storage Tanks (USTs), which are used to store substances such as petroleum or hazardous chemicals below ground level. UST installation is necessary when there is a need for underground storage of substances, typically in industries like fuel stations, manufacturing, or commercial facilities. On the other hand, UST removal is required when USTs are no longer in use, pose risks of leakage or contamination, or need to be replaced. The installation and removal of USTs are regulated to ensure environmental protection and compliance with safety standards.
A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is carried out to detect possible contamination that may pose an environmental hazard and affect a property. It is an essential step in the process of evaluating real estate transactions, including property purchases, sales, refinancing, or land leases. Usually, financial institutions (lenders) mandate the completion of a Phase I ESA. However, there are instances when public agencies may also request a Phase I assessment prior to initiating a redevelopment project.
Risk-based corrective action (RBCA) is an approach used to assess and address environmental contamination based on the potential risks it poses to human health and the environment. RBCA takes into account factors such as the nature and concentration of contaminants, exposure pathways, and potential receptors. This approach aims to prioritize and implement appropriate corrective measures that are both effective and cost-efficient. RBCA is necessary to ensure that contaminated sites are properly managed and remediated to protect human health, minimize environmental impacts, and achieve regulatory compliance. It allows for a more targeted and tailored response to contamination issues, taking into consideration site-specific factors and potential risks.
The ASTM Standard (E1527-21) for Phase I Environmental Site Assessments was updated by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) in November 2021. This revision was the result of extensive meetings held by the ASTM Technical Committee over several years. Notable changes made to the standard include:
1. Increased emphasis on historical research, specifically regarding adjoining properties. The evaluation of potential impacts from neighboring properties now requires a more comprehensive assessment. Historical information sources like fire insurance maps and city directory listings have been expanded to provide better coverage of adjoining properties and their uses.
2. Enhanced environmental lien research. A more thorough search for environmental liens is now required, involving deed research for liens and activity use limitations dating back to 1980. As a result, the cost of preparing a Phase I ESA has significantly increased. It should be noted that environmental lien research remains the responsibility of the report user, not the preparer, and is necessary for qualifying for CERCLA liability protections.
3. Rewritten section on Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB). Revisions have been made to exclude the evaluation of PCB-containing or suspected PCB-containing materials that are part of a building or structure.
4. Inclusion of a site plan and photographs of key site features. The addition of site figures and photos aids in identifying Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs) during the Phase I ESA. This helps the Environmental Professional (EP) pinpoint and communicate the location of RECs or other areas of concern on the subject property.
5. Clarification on report validity. The validity of the Phase I ESA report remains at 180 days. However, the revised standard now requires preparers to note in the report the date on which records and individual components were obtained.
6. Removal of obsolete regulatory databases. Obsolete databases have been eliminated, streamlining the review and preparation of reports by eliminating the need to examine unnecessary database listings.
Additionally, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concurrence and amendment to the final All Appropriate Inquiries (AAI) Rule (40 CFR 312) was finalized on December 15, 2022 (Federal Register 76578, Vol. 87, No. 240).
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