|
|
Phase I and II Environmental Assessments
| Phase I |
Phase II |
What is an Environmental Site Assessment:
An Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is an evaluation of a property
and all structures on the property to determine the likelihood of
a recognized environmental condition. The American Society of Testing
and Materials defines a recognized environmental condition as:
the presence or likely presence of any hazardous substances
or petroleum products on a property under conditions that indicate
an existing release, a past release, or a material threat of a
release of any hazardous substances or petroleum products into
structures on the property or into the ground, ground water, or
surface water of the property” (ASTM E1527-00)
Phase I
The first step of the environmental site assessment process, a
Phase I ESA, involves a visual evaluation of the property, interviews
with owners and/or occupants, and records review.
When is a Phase I needed
A Phase I ESA is generally included in the real estate transaction
of any commercial or industrial process. This evaluation ensures
the buyer or leasor is aware of any environmental conditions at
the time of the transaction.
What is included in a Phase I
The Phase I ESA is governed by ASTM Standard E 1527-00: “Standard
Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental
Site Assessment Process.” In addition, Hovey Environmental
follows the recommendations and guidelines of the Environmental
Assessment Association in all ESA’s. Every Phase I ESA will
include:
|
Interview:
o gathers information from owners, occupants, and/or other
involved parties
o Download
the transaction screen questionnaire 
148KB Download
|
|
site reconnaissance
o visual inspection of the subject property to evaluate
current environmental state
o includes all interior and exterior areas
|
|
historic records review including:
o historic underground storage tanks
o historic and current gas station and dry cleaners
o history of the subject property and neighboring properties
from sources such as city directories, fire insurance maps,
etc.
|
|
physical setting
o area topography
o open water areas in the region
o sensitive lands in the region
o geological information including substrate, depth to groundwater,
and groundwater flow information
|
| |
environmental document search including:
o LUST: state and federal leaking underground storage
tanks
o NPL: National Priority List Sites (NPL)
o CERCLIS: Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation,
and Liability Information System Sites
o RCRA: Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Facilities
o ERNS: Emergency Response and Notification System List
o CORRACTS: Corrective Action Report
o HMIRS: Hazardous Materials Information Tracking System
o PADS: PCB Activity Database System
o TRIS: Toxic Chemical Release Inventory System
o FTTS: FIFRA (Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, & Rodenticide
Act) / TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act) Tracking System
o HAZNET: Hazardous Waste Manifests
o AWP: Annual Workplan Sites
o Calsites Database
o California Proposition 65 Records
o California Toxic Pits Cleanup Sites
o California Waste Management Unit Database
o California Bond Expenditure Plan
o California List of Underground Storage Tank Facilities
o California Voluntary Cleanup Program Properties
o California Underground Storage Tanks on Indian Land
o AST: Above Ground Petroleum Storage Tank Facilities
o California WDS: Waste Discharge System
o List of Deed Restrictions
o California SLIC: Spills, Leaks, Investigation, & Cleanup
Recovery List
o CHMIRS: California Hazardous Materials Incident Report
System
o Cortese: Contaminated drinking water wells, Haz. substance
remedial actions, Toxic material abandoned site assessment,
UST / solid waste disposal sites with known release or migration
o SWF/LF: Solid Waste Facilities / Landfill Sites
o California FID: Facility Inventory Database
|
| |
Detailed report of all findings, including recommendations
for Phase II evaluations (if necessary) |
How much will it cost
Pricing for the Phase I ESA is based on the total property size
(acres), and starts at $1000. The standard turn-around time is two-weeks,
however quicker turn-around time can be accommodated for an additional
fee.
Phase II
When is a Phase II ESA needed:
A Phase II ESA is required when the Phase I process has identified
the likelihood of a recognized environmental condition on the subject
property. A Phase II ESA takes the assessment process a step further
by determining the nature and extent of contamination on a site.
What is included in the Phase II ESA:
During the Phase II ESA, additional data and samples are collected
on site. Samples may be collected in a variety of ways, and are
usually analyzed for heavy metal content, hydrocarbon content, and
physical parameters (e.g. pH, nutrient content, etc.)
- soil samples may be collected at specific areas of concern
or in a pattern around the property to establish the general direction
and extent of contamination
- surface water samples on properties with surface water present
- ground water samples on properties with potential ground water
contamination
How much will it cost
Pricing for the Phase II ESA is based on the type and number of
samples required. This will be determined upon completion of the
Phase I ESA. A Phase II ESA cannot be performed until the Phase
I ESA is completed.
|
VIEW SAMPLE REPORT