PHASE 1 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

   

AS&A Engineering and Architecture’s professional engineers routinely perform Phase I Environmental Assessments as part of their professional services.

Although there are no federal or state regulations that stipulate proper investigation procedures, several professional organizations have developed standard guidelines for conducting environmental assessments, including the American Society of Engineering Firms Practicing in the Geo-Sciences, the National Groundwater Association, and the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM). Of these, the ASTM standards (Designation E 1527) have gained widespread acceptance as a minimum requirement for environmental due diligence.

The Phase I environmental assessment is a due diligence screening tool designed to highlight environmental liability associated with real property through research and observation. At a minimum, a Phase I performed in accordance with ASTM standards should consist of the following:  

• Inspection of the property, including all structures, to identify possible sources of contamination such as asbestos, electrical equipment containing PCBs, and hazardous substances or wastes. 

• Inspection of the property for evidence of possible contamination from leaking storage tanks, old disposal areas, chemical containers or drums.

• The site is a bare piece of property with no evidence of any contamination.

• Investigation of past spills or illegal disposal of hazardous substances, which can be evidenced by observing stained soil or stressed vegetation.

• Interviews of individuals familiar with the property and its history to identify past events and uses that may have created conditions that could lead to environmental compliance problems.

After completion of the Phase I Environmental Assessment it is determined if additional investigation or remedial action is required. SHP has performed Phase I Assessments on BIA and other Federally Funded projects.

Example Projects:

• Polacca Day School (3 sites investigated), First Mesa, AZ, Hopi Indian Reservation

• Sunrise III Townhomes, Mission, SD, Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation