Environmental Site Assessment Phase I

Description

Extensively updated to reflect the most recent changes to the All Appropriate Inquiries Rule (the “Rule”) and the ASTM Environmental Site Assessment Standard (the “Standard”), Environmental Site Assessment Phase 1, Third Edition provides a valuable guide to the techniques of performing Phase 1 site assessment. Promoting a better understanding of the rationale and processes necessary to protect those stakeholders associated with a property, this book describes the latest methods used by leaders in the industry and emphasizes the development of an easy-to-follow investigative strategy for performing in-house assessments.

Equally informative as an introduction for those new to the field and as a quick reference guide for experienced practitioners, this third edition reviews investigative tools mandated by the Rule, as well as many that are not. It presents the recommended searches pertaining to petroleum and petroleum product concerns as covered by the Standard, and expands on the hazards associated with construction. The author reviews the legal issues involved in the purchase of property and an historic overview provides context and a sense of the evolution of the field. Chapters outline the assessment process from beginning to end in an organized, step-by-step manner. The book describes investigations of the physical setting, historic usage, property and area reconnaissance, building materials, and industrial activities associated with a property. It also gives tips on interviewing, lists regulatory agencies, and considers special resources such as wetlands and buildings with historical value.

Whether you are actively involved in the performance of site assessments or simply want to be better informed when purchasing property, Environmental Site Assessment Phase 1, Third Edition is an important resource on a wide range of investigative tools.

Contents

Environmental Pollution Liability

All Appropriate Inquiries Rule

ASTM Standard

Legal Terms

Potentially Responsible Parties

Previous Trends toward the Reduction of Environmental Liability

Brownfields Amendment

Costly Concerns, Not Considered Environmental Pollutants

An Historic Overview

Evolution of the Toxic Scare

Other Hazardous Substances

Environmental Crimes/Criminals

Illegal Hazardous Waste Site Management

Illegal Dumping

Officials Accused of Criminal Negligence

Costs and Damages

A Proper Beginning

Interview the Client

Plan and Organize

Begin the Paper Shuffle

Develop a Sketch of the Site

Physical Setting

Geographic Description

Topographic Characteristics

Surface Soils and Subsurface Geologic Characteristics

Surface Water Hydrologic Characteristics

Hydrogeologic Characteristics

100‑Year Floodplain

Influences and Relationships

Historic Usage of the Property and Surrounding Area

Title Records

Aerial Photographs

Fire Insurance Maps

Historic Topographic Maps

Local Street Directories

Property Tax Records

Zoning Records

Building Permits

Certificates of Occupancy

Health/Safety and Environmental Compliance Records

Waste Management Permits

On‑Site Paper Detective

Reference Manuals/Documents

Mining and Natural Resource Records

Regulatory Agency Listings

Introduction

Federal Listings and Databases

State, Tribal, and Local Listings and Databases

Federal and State Spill Listings

Database Mapping

Property and Area Reconnaissance

Reconnaissance of the Property

Reconnaissance of Adjacent Properties

Reconnaissance of the Surrounding Areas

Interviews

Owners

Site Residents

Site Personnel

Local Government Officials

Neighbors

Historians/Local Historical Societies

Others

Building Materials

Building Records

Hazardous Substance Building Materials

Moisture and Mold in Building Materials

Lead‑Containing Material

Hazardous Substances Associated with Buildings

Illegal Drug Laboratories

Industrial/Commercial Activities

Industrial Processes

Commercial Activities

Special Resources

Threatened and Endangered Species

Critical and Unique Habitat

Buildings and Structures of Historic Value

Archaeological Resources

Wetlands

Wild and Scenic Rivers

Coastal Dunes and Beaches

Putting It All Together

Summary of the Components

Report Format

Projected Risks

Putting It All Together

Recommendations

Cost Projections

Routine Audits and Updating the Records

Sample Scenarios by Property Category

Abbreviations and Acronyms

Glossary

Appendix 1 Regulatory Definitions of “Pollutant”

Appendix 2 Summary of Important Environmental Regulations

Appendix 3 Report Format for Phase I Environmental Site Assessments

Appendix 4 A Checklist Approach

Appendix 5 Sources of Aerial Photographs

Appendix 6 Federal Sources of Information

Appendix 7 HUD Standard Practices for Collecting Paint Samples Index

Related Subjects

1. CRC/IHC Default Subject Code
2. Pollution
3. Remediation
4. Environmental Law, Management, and Compliance
5. Industrial Hygiene
6. Industrial Hygiene