ASTM International is currently updating its environmental assessment protocol prescribed in ASTM E1527 Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process (Phase I ESA). The current version, E1527-13, was published in 2013. The projected timeframe for the new standard to be published is Fall 2021. Changes in the new standard to be aware of include the following.
- The 180-day shelf life of a Phase I, which is currently based on the report date, will now be defined by the earliest date that each component of the report was completed (i.e. site inspection, interviews, database searches, requests for regulatory files, etc.).
- Emerging contaminants are not expected to be included in the standard since they are not on the CERCLA hazardous substances list. However, the Environmental Professional may choose to include review of emerging contaminants as a non-scope consideration similar to asbestos, lead-based paint and radon. It should be noted that combination Phase I ESA/Preliminary Assessment Reports must include the evaluation of emerging contaminants to satisfy regulations at the state level.
- The new version will includea decision flow chart to help the Environmental Professional more easily and consistently determine whether a condition should be considered a recognized environmental condition (REC), a controlled recognized environmental condition (CREC), a historical recognized environmental condition (HREC) or a de minimis condition. Examples for each will also be included.
Please contact Rob Edgar for additional information or to discuss your project needs.