PHASE I ENVIRONMENTAL SITE ASSESSMENT

The Phase I Environmental Site Assessment is the initial step in the site assessment process and consists of defining the relative level of environmental risk associated with a property based on a "due diligence" evaluation of all potential risk factors. Smith-Emery GeoServices conducts all Phase I Environmental Site Assessments based on a scope of work that meets or exceeds the requirements of the ASTM Standard (E1527-00) for the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment. Our scope of services for a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment includes a site reconnaissance, a review of records to establish historic site and surrounding land use, a regulatory list review, a hazardous materials search, an evaluation of site hydrogeology, a review of oil and gas maps and a review of previous environmental reports as provided by the client.

PUBLIC RECORDS REVIEW:

• Historic Site Surrounding Land Usage
  A review of the following information sources will be performed to determine previous site usage and historic surrounding land use back to at least 1940 or prior to the sites development. Current site addresses and historical site addresses identified during the course of our research will be researched.
  • Aerial Photographs
  • Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps
  • Building Permits
  • Historical Directory Listings
  • U.S. Geological Survey (Topographic Map)

• Oil & Gas Map Review
  Applicable Department of Conservation Oil and Gas maps will be reviewed to assess any potential contamination due to historic or current oil or gas wells on or in the vicinity of the site. Oil well information is also important due to the stringent development standards for oil well sites.

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SITE RECONNAISSANCE

A reconnaissance of the site and adjacent properties will be conducted to identify current use and potential issues of concern. The presence of any potential environmental concerns is noted, including: hazardous materials storage areas; locations of underground storage tanks and related vents, lines, and dispensing units; former and existing locations and conditions of spray booths, clarifiers, pits, sumps, and drains; signs of dead or sparse vegetation; and obvious drainage, stain patterns, or odors. A drive-by inspection of adjacent properties is also conducted, and as many of the above site characteristics as possible are noted. An emphasis is placed on denoting potential contaminant migration paths.

INTERVIEWS

Interviews with the current owner and/or tenants will be conducted per the ASTM standard. A general opinion as to the potential for PCBs, lead based paints, and asbestos containing building materials at the subject property is included in the final report.

REPORT PREPARATION & EVALUATION

Following the Public Records Review, Site Reconnaissance & Interviews, adetailed description of the interior and exterior of the existing facility is provided. A site schematic referencing the subject site will be included in the report.  Once the site conditions and the nature of potential contaminants have been defined, Smith-Emery makes an evaluation as to whether the site warrants further investigation involving some form of subsurface sampling.

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