Environmental Site Assessment Phase I: A Basic Guide, Third Edition
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Summary
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.
Table of 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
Editorial Reviews
"This book is written such that it is informative for those who are new to the subject and is a quick reference guide for those already knowledgeable in the field… Having been involved, to a limited extent, in site assessment, I can attest to the importance of the process and the valuable help and advice this book contains."
- Electrical Insulation Magazine
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