ASTM E1903: Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESA)

ASTM E1903 outlines the standard practice for conducting Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs). A Phase II ESA is an intrusive investigation conducted when a Phase I ESA has identified potential environmental concerns on a property. Its primary objective is to verify the presence or absence of suspected contamination in potential contaminant source areas through field observations, sampling, and analysis. Unlike Phase I ESAs, which are primarily documentary in nature, Phase II ESAs involve physical sampling and laboratory testing to provide definitive evidence of contamination or environmental impacts.

Applicable Situations

Phase II ESAs are most commonly initiated as a direct response to findings from a Phase I ESA that identified Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs) and/or Vapor Encroachment Conditions (VECs).

Phase II ESAs may also be conducted in the following scenarios:

• During property transactions where potential environmental concerns have been identified.
• When significant data gaps in the Phase I ESA process need to be addressed.
• Financial institutions often require Phase II ESA investigations during loan refinancing to better understand and quantify environmental risks.
• Property developers may commission Phase II ESAs during development planning to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and assess potential material management or remediation costs.

Related Standards & Legislation

The execution of Phase II ESAs is governed by ASTM E1903-19 (2020) Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase II Environmental Site Assessment Process, which provides the framework for conducting these investigations. This standard operates within the broader context of environmental regulations and often intersects with requirements set forth by the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). The specific protocols and procedures must also align with state and federal environmental regulations, which can vary by jurisdiction and property type. Site-specific regulatory requirements often influence the scope and extent of the investigation, particularly in areas with unique environmental concerns or stricter regulatory oversight.

Key Elements of a Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESA)

Sampling Plan Development

The foundation of a Phase II ESA begins with the development of a limited but comprehensive sampling plan. This plan is tailored to address specific environmental concerns identified during the Phase I ESA and considers the unique characteristics of the subject property. Environmental professionals must carefully design the efficient investigation strategy to ensure that sampling locations and methodologies will effectively evaluate suspected areas of contamination. The plan includes detailed protocols for field handling, sample preservation, and transportation to maintain sample integrity and ensure reliable results.

Investigation Methods

• Soil borings and sampling (by hand methods or drilling methods)
• Test pit excavation
• Groundwater well installation and sampling
• Hydrogeological assessments
• Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) surveys
• Soil vapor sampling
• Ambient air sampling
• Waste characterization

Laboratory Analysis

• Chemical analysis of collected samples
• Quality assurance/quality control procedures
• Analytical method selection based on contaminants of concern
• Data validation and interpretation

Report Preparation

The Phase II ESA culminates in a comprehensive report that synthesizes all investigation findings. The report provides a summary of all of the following components of the field and laboratory investigation:

• Detailed site characterization, including geological and hydrogeological conditions that may influence contaminant migration.
• Field screening results/readings.
• Laboratory results with interpretation of their significance and potential risks.
• Preliminary recommendations for further action, which may range from additional investigation to remediation strategies.
• Cost estimates for recommended actions to help stakeholders understand the financial implications of addressing environmental concerns can be a component of the final report, if specifically requested by the client during the development of the proposal. These cost estimates can also be provided under separate cover.

Additional Considerations for ASTM E1903

Scope Limitations

The scope of a Phase II ESA is inherently limited to confirming or refuting the presence of suspected contaminants in specifically sampled areas. While these investigations provide crucial data about environmental conditions, it may not fully delineate the extent of contamination or address all potential environmental concerns. Comprehensive remediation planning typically requires additional investigation beyond the standard Phase II ESA scope.

Business Environmental Risks

Common additional testing may include:

• Vapor intrusion assessment
• Hazardous material characterization and disposal
• Drinking water quality analysis
• Radon testing
• Building material surveying/sampling (i.e., asbestos, lead-based paint)
• Subsurface structure investigation

For detailed information on this standard and the applicable regulations, please refer to the official ASTM documentation.