ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

The Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) is an act which imposes a legal duty on any current or past owner to clean up a contaminated site, whether or not that owner was responsible for the contamination. Reinforced by the Pennsylvania Special Water Pollution Regulation, prospective property buyers must undertake “due diligence” to determine potential environmental hazards on the proposed site. As a result, potential buyers need reliable and thorough comprehensive environmental site assessments to protect themselves against liabilities for possible pre-existing hazardous materials.

For reliable investigations of possible contamination, and for official documentation of property conditions and remediation services, AM H&S offers Phase I, Modified Phase I, Phase II and Phase III Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs). Phase I and Phase II ESAs notify potential buyers of property contamination problems before purchase, insuring that the buyer will avoid liability and/or costs associated with cleanups. Phase III services aid the property owner in cost-effective remediation efforts.

Phase I Environmental Site Assessment

Phase I Environmental Site Assessments are inquiries into past uses and present conditions, which may have created environmental problems for which the current owner may be liable. A typical Phase I ESA involves:

• Reviews of maps and aerial photographs to determine areas of possible environmental concern;

• Reviews of title history, available regulatory compliance records and site development drawings or records identify potential or existing problems;

• Investigations of the historical uses of adjacent properties to reveal their potential or existing impact on the site;

• Interviews with individuals and agencies familiar with the site to identify possible problems not revealed in documents; and

• Visual site surveys to reveal such possible environment degradation indicators as stressed vegetation, leachate seeps, ground staining, or filled areas.

After examining information gathered from document reviews, interviews, and visual surveys, AM H&S submits a final report to the client. If applicable, the report may include recommendations for further investigation.

Modified Phase I Environmental Site Assessment

Modified Phase I ESAs include all Phase I processes along with isolated testing for such environmental contaminants as asbestos, lead-based paint, and soil-based heavy materials or hydrocarbons.

Phase II Environmental Site Assessment

Because the goal of Phase II ESAs is actual contaminant qualification, Phase II Environmental Site Assessments/Impact Studies include more intrusive testing. Phase II services include:

• Itemization of hazardous materials, including type, quantity, and storage method;

• Evaluation of site waste management materials;

• Identification of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) or possible PCB equipment;

• Assessment of underground storage tanks and evaluation of tank conditions and management practices;

• Inventory and assessment of possible asbestos-containing materials, including sampling and laboratory analysis; and

• Sampling of soil and water for suspected contaminants.

A completed Phase II Site Investigation will supply vital information on site contamination, specific contaminated areas, and alternative remediation recommendations.

Phase III Environmental Site Remediation Design

AM H&S’s Phase III Site Remediation Services will be needed if a Phase II Assessment indicates the presence of contaminants that require remediation: asbestos, lead-based paint, underground storage tanks (USTs), PCBs, soil/groundwater contamination, and hazardous waste containers. Phase III services include:

• Review of owner’s plans for site contamination remediation;

• Creation of remediation contract documents, including AM H&S-prepared working drawings and job specifications; and

• Oversight of all remediation efforts.

With all AM H&S site assessment team members certified in asbestos and lead bulk sampling, and because of their thorough training and extensive experience, AM H&S can accurately document all relevant property conditions in accordance with all necessary federal, state, and local hazardous materials laws. The result is accurate, dependable Phase I, II, and III site assessments that will insure proper liability and reliable remediation.