Consistent with ASTM by-laws, the ESA Phase I Standard is now due for review and re-approval. Updates to the E1527 standard are expected to go to a first ballot this fall with a planned new standard publication in late 2020.
Phase 1 Environmental Assessment Overview
Environmental Site Assessment Phase 1 is conducted based upon the standards defined by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) All Appropriate Inquiry.
A Phase I ESA (ASTM E1527-13) is used to gather information to identify Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs) which may be associated with a subject property. The assessment’s intent is to identify actual or potential environmental contamination which may impact the property value. The Phase 1 Environment Assessment is conducted through records research, site inspection and interviews with owners and occupants.
Expected Updates
Following are some of the expected updates to the Environmental Phase 1:
- Clarifications to the HREC and CREC definitions.The task group is working to refine the definitions for HRECs and CRECs and relationships between the various types of recognized environmental conditions.
- Expansion of Historical Research to adjoining properties.The current version of the standard requires historical research of the subject property only, but the task group plans to ballot changes that would also require the investigation of adjoining properties and the surrounding area.
- A footnote and edits to the Non-Scope Considerations appendix to acknowledge growing regulator attention to emerging contaminants, especially PFAS.
NV5/Bock & Clark will stay on top of pending developments for the Environmental Site Assessment Phase 1 and update our website’s “Resources” section as soon as more information is available. Contact us at 1-800-787-8397 ext. 854 with any questions or to request a proposal for an ESA Phase I or other services.