Environmental site assessments are conducted to identify possible liabilities associated with property acquisition or sale and may be a legal requirement prior to transaction. ETI's expertise in regulatory affairs, environmental sampling and analysis, and project management provides the sound basis on which a credible site assessment can be structured. ETI site assessments consist of a review of accessible EPA and applicable state environmental databases, an examination of aerial photographs, a review of prior ownership (deed) records, and an onsite inspection of the property for items of potentially environmental concern. These items may include: asbestos-containing material (ACM), PCBs, lead paint, underground and aboveground storage tanks and piping, radon and airborne emissions from hazardous materials, hazardous materials used/stored on the site, hazardous waste or unknown drummed, bagged, or boxed materials stored or disposed of on the site, waste streams generated on the site, and evidences of spills or releases of contaminants.
Phase I Environmental Site Assessments
ETI’s Environmental Site Assessments are conducted to identify potential liabilities associated with clients’ properties. Assessments are performed in accordance with current ASTM guidelines and the client’s specific needs. The Phase I Environmental Site Assessments are composed of 3 basic components:
Historical Review: Records pertaining to a property and surrounding sites from local, state and federal government and private agencies are examined for evidence of past activities. Land ownership records are researched , and past owners and adjacent landowners are interviewed. Historic aerial photographs and maps are examined to determine prior land uses and structures. National Wetland Inventory and soil maps are reviewed. CERCLA, NPL, and leaking underground storage tanks within a 1 mile radius are located. Known and suspected archeological sites on the property are identified.
Onsite Inspection: An onsite inspection helps to evaluate a property’s historic usage and items of potential environmental and health concern. Items targeted include:
- asbestos;
- P.C.B.’s;
- lead paints;
- above and below ground storage tanks and piping;
- radon potential;
- airborne, stored, and disposed hazardous materials; and
- evidence of spilled or released contaminants.
Investigation Final Report. At the conclusion of an ETI site assessment, a Level I Investigation Final Report is prepared which:
- presents and discusses all historical data reviewed;
- presents and discusses all results of the onsite inspection;
- identifies and discusses all areas of potential environmental concern; and
- makes recommendations as to whether a Phase II Assessment is warranted, and if so, identifies parameters for further investigation.
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