​​ENVIRONMENTAL SITE ASSESSMENT

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Environmental Site Assessment is conducted to assess the current and historical uses of a property as part of real estate transaction and to assess if current or historical property uses have impacted the subsurface beneath the property and could pose a threat to the environment and community.


RAS EHS conducts Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) in accordance with American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM E-1527-13, Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process), including Tier 1 Vapor Encroachment Screening are conducted in accordance with ASTM E 2600-10.  Phase II ESAs (soil and groundwater investigations) are conducted in accordance with ASTM E-1903-11, Standard Practice for Environmental Assessments: Phase II Environmental Site Assessment Process, applicable regulations.


A Phase I ESA typically includes the following:

  • A site visit to observe current and past conditions and uses of the property and adjacent properties;
  • A review of federal, state, and local regulatory databases including, but not limited to, underground storage tanks (USTs), aboveground storage tanks (ASTs), known or suspected release cases, the storage of hazardous substances and disposal of hazardous wastes, and institutional and engineering controls; 
  • A review of historical records, such as historical aerial photographs, fire insurance maps (Sanborn maps), historical city directories, and historical topographic maps; 
  • A review of state and local agency records, including but not limited to state environmental agencies, Building Departments, Fire Departments, and Health Departments.  
  • Interviews with current and past property owners, operators, and occupants, or others linked with property.  
  • Interviews with the Report User for title or judicial records for environmental liens and activity and use limitations (AULs); specialized knowledge; actual knowledge; commonly known or reasonably ascertainable information; and the reason for the preparation of the Phase I ESA.  

 
This information is evaluated by the Environmental Professional (EP) to identify potential environmental risks to the property.  Some common properties of concern are: dry cleaners, gas stations, auto repair, printing presses, and manufacturing.  In addition to potential soil and groundwater contamination, ASTM E1527-13 addresses the concerns associated with contamination in soil vapor and the potential for vapor migration to pose a threat to onsite and offsite tenants.
 
While not part of ASTM requirement, Phase I ESA reports can include survey of suspect asbestos containing materials (ACM), potential lead-based paint (LBP), and mold growth; as well as lead in drinking water and radon.  Sampling for ACM, Lead/LBP, Mold and Radon can be included upon request.
 
Once a Phase I ESA is complete, the EP will summarize the concerns identified on the property and make recommendations about what actions, if any are needed to address these concerns.  A recognized environmental condition (REC) indicates known contamination or the potential for the subsurface to have been impacted by contamination (either from the subject property or from an offsite source).  A controlled recognized environmental condition (CREC) identifies that the property has been impacted by contamination which has been investigated and remediated; however, contamination remains and would require additional work if redeveloped.  A historical recognized environmental condition (HREC) identifies a release impacted the subject property which has been investigated and remediated meeting unrestricted use criteria.
 
The identification of a REC will often include a recommendation for a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) to collect soil and groundwater samples from the subsurface to analyze for the presence of contamination.  
 

Our Phase II ESA Services Include:


  • Groundwater and Soil Sampling
  • Water Quality Monitoring
  • Contamination Delineation and Contaminant Monitoring
  • Vapor Intrusion Studies
  • Monitoring Well Installation
  • Soil Borings