![\"Julia](\"https:\/\/d1bedc2beb-custmedia.vresp.com\/2516577ad8\/Julia%20Pict3.JPG\" "\\"Julia")
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What is a Phase I ESA?<\/em><\/p>\n In the US a Phase I ESA is a report prepared for a real estate holding that identifies potential or existing environmental contamination liabilities. \u00a0An ESA typically addresses both the underlying land as well as the physical improvements to the \u00a0property.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Why is it\u00a0important to conduct a Phase I ESA?<\/em><\/p>\n Bottom line, Environmental\u00a0<\/b>Liability Protection – if a Phase I ESA is conducted and existing environmental contamination is identified before a\u00a0property purchase, liability for existing contamination can be eliminated. \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/b>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Who creates the Standards and what’s changed?<\/em><\/p>\n The EPA All\u00a0Appropriate Inquiry (AAI) and ASTM E1527-13 define the Phase I ESA standards. \u00a0Recently the ASTM has adjusted their standard<\/b>:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n ASTM Overview<\/b><\/p>\n The American Society for Testing and Materials\u00a0(ASTM)\u00a0set out to clarify\u00a0ambiguous language in the existing ASTM E1527-05 Phase I ESA standard. \u00a0On December 30, 2013 the EPA approved the new ASTM Standard 1527-13 making it the new baseline for Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (Phase I ESAs).<\/p>\n What has changed?<\/em><\/p>\n The biggest revisions were updates to definitions of\u00a0Recognized Environmental Conditions (REC)<\/b>\u00a0and\u00a0Historical Recognized Environmental Condition (HREC)<\/b>. \u00a0A new term,\u00a0Controlled Recognized Environmental Condition (CREC)<\/b>, was also added to address scenarios when past releases have been\u00a0addressed but allow the\u00a0contamination to remain in place with certain controls. \u00a0Additionally,\u00a0Vapor Migration Screening\u00a0<\/b>is now referenced as one of the forms of hazardous substances movement in the\u00a0subsurface.\u00a0<\/b>\u00a0\u00a0See the full updated definitions on our blog<\/b>:<\/p>\n REC<\/b><\/p>\n “The presence or likely presence of any hazardous substances or petroleum products in, on, or at a property: (1) due to any release to the environment; (2) under conditions indicative of a release to the environment; or (3) under conditions that pose a material threat of a future release to the environment.”<\/p>\n HREC<\/b><\/p>\n “A past release of any hazardous substances or petroleum\u00a0<\/b>products that has\u00a0occurred in connection with the property and has been addressed to the\u00a0satisfaction of the applicable regulatory authority or meeting\u00a0unrestricted use criteria established by a regulatory authority, without subjecting the property to any required controls (e.g., property use restrictions, AULs, institutional controls, or engineering\u00a0controls). \u00a0Before calling the past release an HREC, the EP must determine whether the past release is a REC at the time the Phase I ESA is conducted (e.g., if there has been a change in the regulatory criteria). \u00a0If the EP\u00a0considers this past release to be a REC at the time the Phase I ESA is conducted, the condition shall be included in the conclusions section of the report as a REC.”<\/p>\n CREC<\/b><\/p>\n “A REC resulting from a past release of hazardous substances or petroleum products that has been addressed to the satisfaction of the applicable regulatory authority (e.g., as evidenced by the issuance of a NFA letter or equivalent, or meeting risk-based criteria established by regulatory authority), with hazardous substances or petroleum products allowed to remain in place subject to the implementation of required controls (e.g., property use restrictions, AULs, institutional controls, or engineering controls)\u2026 a CREC shall be listed in the Findings Section of the Phase I ESA report, and as a REC in the Conclusions Section of the\u2026report.”<\/p>\n Vapor Migration<\/b><\/p>\n Environmental Professionals (EP’s) are now required to assess vapor migration as a form of movement of hazardous substances or petroleum products in the subsurface. \u00a0Consultants will use similar assessment guidelines to those related to groundwater migration when identifying if Vapor Migration is connected to a REC.<\/p>\n Who determines what is a CREC versus REC? \u00a0<\/b><\/em><\/p>\n It will be up to the Environmental Professional to make this determination so choosing a detailed oriented firm that upholds strict practices and stays\u00a0on top of the current standards is key in protecting your Environmental Liability.<\/p>\n How is ACC adapting to the new changes?<\/em><\/p>\n ACC has always maintained\u00a0strict standards when conducting Phase I ESA’s\u00a0and in anticipation we migrated the\u00a0revisions into our standards far before they were mandated.<\/b>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n What can a Geologist do for your company?<\/em><\/p>\n Beyond the nitty gritty of looking for contaminants on your property a Project or Professional Geologist can aid you in Risk Assessment and management when looking at long-term development, potential new\u00a0acquisitions and all environmental property transfer and redevelopment issues.<\/p>\n To receive a Phase I quote or to learn more on how ACC can address your\u00a0property’s environmental needs,\u00a0Click here.<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n Other helpful resources:<\/b><\/p>\n Understanding New Phase I ESA Standards:\u00a0Interview with\u00a0Julia Siudyla, Staff Geologist When not sailing the seas, Julia provides ACC and our clients with top notch Environmental Services. 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