Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) are visual assessments used to determine if environmental concerns exist for a property and are performed by an Environmental Professional (EP) as defined by 40 CFR Part 312.10(b). The concerns associated with a property are further characterized as Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs), and are defined by ASTM E1527-13 as the following: The presence or likely presence of any hazardous substances or petroleum products in, on, or at a property: (1) due to any release to the environment; (2) under conditions indicative of a release to the environment; or (3) under conditions that pose a material threat of a future release to the environment.
Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessments: Vapor Encroachment vs. Vapor Intrusion
The current standard (E1527-13) for Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) requires vapor to be assessed as a form of movement for hazardous substances or petroleum substances in the subsurface. This current standard for Phase 1 ESA was published in November 2013, by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
Aren’t Controlled Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs) Just Historical RECs?
An important component regarding legal protection during a property transaction is a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) [link to Phase 1 ESA blog]. The current industry standard for Phase 1 ESAs is the American Society for Testing and Material (ASTM) E1527-2013. The purpose of the Phase 1 ESA is to identify Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs). A REC is the presence or likely presence of any hazardous substances or petroleum products in, on, or at a property.
