When learning about environmental impact assessments, it is important to gain an understanding of the terms that are used during the process. Here are several the definitions of several frequently-used terms that you should know:
Environmental Site Assessments (ESA)
Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment (ESA): A Phase 1 ESA is defined as “the process by which a person or entity seeks to determine if a parcel of real property (including improvements) is subject to recognized environmental conditions (RECs)”
Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment (ESA): If the findings of a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment result in a question of contamination, a Phase 2 ESA can be ordered. This is a more extensive report, as it requires property sampling and laboratory analysis
Recognized Environmental Condition (REC)
According to ASTM 1527-13, a REC is defined as the presence or likely presence of any hazardous substances or petroleum products in, on, or at a property:
- Due to any release into the environment
- Under conditions indicative of a release into the environment
- Under conditions that pose a material threat of a future release into the environment
Controlled Recognized Environmental Condition (CREC)
CREC is a REC resulting from a past release of hazardous substances or petroleum products that has been addressed to the satisfaction of the applicable regulatory (as evidenced by the issuance of a NFA letter or equivalent, or meeting risk-based criteria established by regulatory authority), with hazardous substance or petroleum products allowed to remain in place subject to the implementation of required controls.
Historic Recognized Environmental Condition (HREC)
HREC is a past release of any hazardous substances or petroleum products that has occurred in connection with the property and has been addressed to the satisfaction of the applicable regulatory authority, or meeting unrestricted use criteria established by a regulatory authority, without subjecting the property to any required controls.
For more information on our environmental reporting terms and definitions, visit our Environmental Site Assessment Services page.
Bock & Clark’s Environmental Site Assessments
Bock & Clark has an experienced staff available to perform Phase I (ASTM E1527-13) and Phase II (ASTM E1903) Environmental Site Assessments in conformance with American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) E 1527-13 and E1903 respectively, and the Environmental Protection Agency All Appropriate Inquiry.
At Bock & Clark, we are committed to supplying well-researched, quality products at a competitive price. Review our Sample Phase I ESA (PDF) and request a quote today, or contact us to learn more about our reports.