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Phase I & Phase II Site Assessments

 

Phase I Assessments

The purpose of a phase I assessment is intended as an approach to conducting an inquiry designed to identify recognized environmental conditions in connection with a property, and assessments that are more comprehensive in many circumstances.  As addressed in ASTM E-1527-00, not every property will warrant the same level of assessment.  Consistent with good commercial or customary practices, the appropriate level of environmental site assessment will be guided by the type of property  subject to assessment, the expertise and risk tolerance of the user, and the information developed in the course of the inquiry.  In recognition of this, Eco-Genesis has developed three levels of Phase I assessments that address various issues and levels of concern as to the subject property.   Eco-Genesis, is proud to offer three distinct levels of due diligence assessments;

Phase I, ASTM Basic 

The Eco-Basic Phase I assessment is designed in strict accordance with ASTM E-1527-00 to identify, to the extent feasible pursuant to the processes described below, recognized environmental conditions with the property.  This phase I assessment shall be comprised of four components, as described as follows;

Records Review  --   A records review will be conducted to help identify recognized environmental conditions in connection with the minimum search distance of the property to be assessed.  This review will typically include; Research of databases of standard environmental record sources;  Review of appropriate physical setting sources (current USGS 7.5 minute topographical map or equivalent);   Review of appropriate standard historical sources (Sanborne Maps, Assessor's maps, Registry of Deeds, etc.)
Site Reconnaissance --     A site visit will be conducted to obtain information indicating the likelihood of identifying recognized environmental conditions with the property.  On such a site visit, the property will be physically, and visually observed, as well as any and all structures located on the property to the extent not obstructed by bodies of water, adjacent buildings, or other obstacles.  
Interviews  --   Interviews will be conducted in or to obtain information indicating recognized environmental conditions in connection with the property.  These interviews will typically include;  Interviews with the owners and/or key site managers of the subject property;  Interviews will be attempted of occupants, or previous occupants of the subject property;  Interviews will be conducted with at least one staff member of local government agencies.
Evaluation & Report --    The findings, opinions, and conclusions shall be included in the Evaluation and report.  These findings, opinions and conclusions shall be supported by documentation, regarding the impact of environmental conditions in connection with the property.  

The records review, site reconnaissance, and interviews are intended to be used in concert with one another.  If information from one source indicates the need for more information,  a more in-depth Phase I Assessment may be warranted.


Phase I, ASTM Expanded Assessment

The expanded  Phase I assessment includes all of the elements of the Basic Due Diligence Phase I assessment.  Use of the Eco-Protect Phase I assessment is recommended when it is determined that a more in-depth, and thorough assessment is warranted on the subject property, or when the property's owner or potential owner requires an more in-depth assessment in order to reduce an future liability.  Some of the reasons for an Expanded Phase I Assessment may be due to the proximity of property with known contaminants, prior and current property use, or any of the structure(s) located on the property is of such an age and condition that would render it reasonable to conclude that there is a high likelihood of hazardous materials.  The expanded Phase I Assessment would include all those elements found in a basic due diligence assessment, and additionally would typically include the following;


Project Summary
Property Description
Historical Records Review
  1. Review of real estate records such as title documentation and appraisal reports, certificates of occupancy, building permits, special permits, etc.
  2. Review of available deed and other ownership records, tax maps, etc.
  3. Review of historical aerial photographs and other pictures that depict previous site activities
  4. Old topographical maps or township planning maps
  5. Interviews with knowledgeable parties including site personnel;  former site owners or operators; neighbors; regional, county or municipal authorities; zoning  and planning commissions; fire and police department personnel; and historical societies.
  6. Sanborne fire insurance maps          
Regulatory Agency Record Search
  1. NPL    --  The National Priorities List
  2. CERCLIS   --  The Comprehensive Environmental Response. Compensation and Liability Information System.  This is an EPA generated list that represents a summary of all sites the EPA has investigated or is currently investigating for contamination.  Potentially, sites within 1/2 mile of the subject property may have the potential of impact.  
  3. RCRA Notifiers  --  Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.  This provides information on all facilities that generate, store or treat/dispose of hazardous waste and have been registered under the RCRA program.
  4. Enforcement Files  --  As part of the federal regulatory agency review, this type of Phase I environmental assessment will include identification and analysis of any enforcement actions pending or likely to be initiated by federal agencies.
  5. State Equivalent Superfund -- States with hazardous waste site programs will be checked to review sites within 1 mile of the subject property
  6. UST Registration  -- Underground Storage Tank Registration lists will be reviewed to determine the presence of UST's on the subject property  or on properties adjacent to the subject property
  7. Leaking UST Databases  -- I review of the state generated LUST database  will be made to identify  leaking underground storage tanks within  1/2 mile of the subject site
  8. State Environmental Files -- Representatives from various divisions of the state EPA will be contacted to determine if they have any records pertaining to the subject property.  
  9. State Enforcement Files  -- As part of this type of assessment, the identification and analysis of any enforcement actions, pending or likely to be initiated by state agencies
On-Site Reconnaissance 
Review of Nearby/Adjacent Properties
Conclusions and Recommendations
Final Report Submission

Phase I Investigative Assessment

This phase represents our highest classification of environmental assessments.  This type of assessment includes all of the items listed in the Phase I ASTM Expanded Assessment, but also includes the following assessments

Structural Hazardous Materials Assessment
  1. Asbestos Survey
  2. Lead Survey
  3. Hazardous Materials Survey based upon subject site specifics
Sub-Surface Investigations

Sub-surface investigations are varied in methods depending on exactly what conditions are present on the subject site.  The specific conditions and history of the site will determine which method to be used.   Laboratory analysis and field screening will be used in conjunction with the specific sub-surface method employed.  The specific methods recommended will be addressed by our professionals at the time proposal. 

  1. Geoprobe -- This type of subsurface probe is used to investigate the sub-surface for contaminants.  The Geoprobe retains the actual soil profile for analysis and investigation.  The Geo-Probe can investigate soil conditions to the depth of 20 feet. The Geoprobe would be used in areas of likely contamination such as the locations of actual or prior Underground Supply Tanks, or in areas that are down-gradient to known or suspected contaminated sites.  This type of subsurface investigation  the most cost effective means  of obtaining meaningful information about potential contamination under the subject property.   
  2. Test-Pits --  This method involves the use of a backhoe for investigative and remedial purposes.  This method is employed when specific knowledge about a contamination source is known such as a UST, where investigation of the entire tank grave area should be investigated, or when buried lines should be investigated, and in some cases removed at the same time.  
  3. Ground Water Monitoring Wells/Soil Borings.  This method is employed when there is a need to profile ground water characteristics on the site and identify possible groundwater contamination.   
  4. Ground Penetrating Radar  -  This method is employed to investigate unknown area to identify to the location of USTs, buried drums, and underground pipes.  

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