Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Services

A Phase I is performed as a pre-purchase due diligence practice.  CRB`s professional and technical staff have the expertise necessary to conduct assessments that comply with ASTM 1527.   Our deliverable reports are designed to comply with the definition of "good commercial and customary practice" associated with the industry standard and Federal requirements for All Appropriate Inquiry (AAI).
 
The purpose of the Phase I is to evaluate historical, existing or potential environmental conditions that may impact a property. The results of the Phase I determine the environmental risks associated with the property.  The Phase I includes the following scope of work:  

• Site inspection and observation of Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs)
• Research on historical use of the site using aerial photographs and other records
• Assessment of neighboring sources of contamination
• Review of site operations such as chemical inventory and waste disposal practices
• Research of environmental databases and regulatory files

CRB is qualified to evaluate business-risk issues beyond the scope of the Phase I, such as:

• Permit compliance for air, tanks, stormwater, & drinking water
• Hazardous waste generator compliance & disposal audits
• OSHA, asbestos, radon, lead & mold evaluations

Phase II Environmental Site Assessment
While a Phase I identifies the likelihood of contamination, a Phase II determines whether or not contamination exists.   CRB`s professionals have devised and implemented thousands of Phase II investigations, which involve the following methods:  

• Soil sampling using hand- or truck-mounted equipment
• Groundwater sampling via temporary wellpoints or monitoring wells
• Soil gas sampling using hand equipment or power equipment

Samples are collected using strict protocol, then carefully documented and delivered to a certified laboratory for analysis.  Our expert staff members thoroughly review data results and prepare a summary of site conditions and recommendations.

Comprehensive Site Assessment
Most property site assessments are resolved at the pre-purchase stage, but in some cases comprehensive assessment becomes necessary.  CRB performs all of the levels of assessment needed to delineate the extent of contamination and characterize exposure risks and soil and aquifer conditions at the property.  Investigation tools include:

• Soil, soil gas and groundwater sampling networks to establish extent of contamination 
• Direct-read field screening instruments to minimize time and effort
• Groundwater studies to establish gradients and flow directions
• Geological characterization of the subsurface to establish potential contaminant pathways
• Geophysical investigation to determine the location of underground tanks and drums

Analysis & Quality Assurance
CRB personnel are trained, certified technicians who have conducted numerous soil, groundwater and surface water quality assessments.  All of our investigation work is performed under a court-defensible quality assurance program and supervised by licensed professionals.  

CRB works with certified laboratories that require close adherence to established quality assurance protocols.  All data are checked, validated and approved by qualified managers. Sampling procedures and frequencies are developed in accordance with regulatory requirements.  Data evaluation includes the use of duplicate and blank samples to verify laboratory accuracy and reporting.