Environmental Assessments
Phase I Site Assessment
Required by most prudent real estate investors and lenders, it is performed in accordance with the November 6, 2013 standard for conducting Phase One Environmental Site Assessment (ESA), ASTM E1527-13.ESA is designed to identify potential environmental liability associated with the current and historical use of the property and adjacent properties. It includes:• Site inspection and reconnaissance of adjacent surroundings• Review of historical/environmental records and land-use• Review of petroleum product storage, spills and disposal records• File review of local, state and regional agencies• Interview with owners, occupants and property managers• Written report with findings, conclusions and recommendations• Asbestos and lead-based paint evaluations (requested separately)
Phase II Site AssessmentRequired when a Recognized Environmental Condition (REC) is found during the Phase One environmental assessment process.The scope of a Phase ll ESA may vary significantly based on the Phase One findings and other objectives dictated by the client. In general, a Phase II ESA consists of collecting soil samples to find out the level of chemical or metal contamination. It could also include groundwater and surface water sampling and analysis.Certified Environmental Manager (CEM)
Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) requires CEM certification of any consultant that provides:• ASTM Phase I, Phase II and Phase III environmental site assessments, including documents to satisfy all regulations at 40 CFR Part 312.• Works plans and reports including but not limited to, those which address assessments, site characterization or investigation, monitoring, corrective action, feasibility studies, remediation and risk assessment.• Petroleum-Contaminated Soil Management Plans for mine sites.• Risk based corrective action Tier 1, 2 and 3 evaluations that area associated with the investigation, sampling, response or cleanup of a release of a hazardous substance under NAC 445A.226 through 445A.22755 (Action levels for contaminated sites regulations) and NAC 459.996 through 459.9985 (Underground storage tanks releases and reporting).• Letters to clients or a regulatory agency associated with data collection, interpretation or recommendation.• Reports submitted on behalf of a waste generator if the work performed by the CEM is for the management of their hazardous waste.
Enviro-Con has a Nevada CEM on staff to make sure the requirements of the NDEP are properly followed.
RESOURCES NDEP: http://ndep.nv.gov/EPA Brownfields: www.epa.gov/brownfields/aai/