Phase I Environmental Site Assessments

COMM Engineering can conduct Phase I and II ESAs using the following standards:

ASTM 1527 - Phase I Environmental Site Assessments
ASTM 1528 - Transaction Screen Process
ASTM 1903 - Phase II Environmental Site Assessment Process

Phase I Environmental Site Assessments Using ASTM Standard E1527-00

Purpose: To satisfy one of the requirements to qualify for the innocent landowner defense to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA).

Method:

1. Conduct Site Reconnaissance

   1. Visually inspect and photograph the building and surrounding property. Obtain information regarding potential contamination of the site with hazardous materials, hazardous wastes, or petroleum products.
   2. Complete COMM’s Phase I Checklist for site reconnaissance
   3. Some Optional Tasks (not a part of Phase I Site Assessment) Include:
      1. Conduct a Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) survey of property
      2. Collect samples of insulation, flooring and ceiling material and analyze them for asbestos containing materials (ACM)
      3. Collect air samples and analyze them for radon gas
      4. Collect paint samples and analyze them for lead
      5. Collect soil samples and analyzed for pollutants expected for the location. This can include pH, metals, benzene, petroleum products, pesticides, herbicides, volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds.
2. Interview the location’s recent key manager and occupants regarding the handling of hazardous substances and petroleum products at the facility.
3. Interview local and state regulatory agencies regarding the handling of hazardous substances and petroleum products at the facility.
4. Review of regulatory agency files regarding the handling of hazardous substances and petroleum products at the facility.
5. Use a computer search of governmental environmental databases for the location.
6. Prepare a report of findings. The report will include the following:

   1. General description of buildings and property, physical location, drainage, and topography.
   2. Present and previous uses of the facility. The focus will be information regarding the use, storage, disposal or spills of hazardous substances and petroleum products at the facility.
   3. Information on any air, water and waste permits
   4. Information on any recent violations or compliance orders for environmental regulations
   5. Determine if there are any records or indications of present or past Underground Storage Tanks (UST), Leaking USTs and Above Ground Storage Tanks onsite.
   6. Recommendations for further investigation