ECS has proven experience in conducting Phase I and Phase II environmental site assessments (ESAs) related to real estate transactions and conforming to ASTM and state-specific standards.  We perform these assessments with staff that includes some of the most experienced assessment personnel in the industry, and these individuals understand that identifying our clients’ needs is a critical first step toward selecting the most appropriate assessment tool. 

Phase I ESAs are conducted in accordance with 2000 or 2005 ASTM standard E 1527 as required by client needs. The 2005 standard conforms to and satisfies the All Appropriate Inquiry Rule (40 CFR Part 312) set forth by the US EPA.  ECS has recently adopted new standard operating procedures to include the All Appropriate Inquiry rule in our ASTM E 1527-05 Phase I ESAs and has recently completed several Phase Is in accordance with the new regulations. 

• Thoroughly inspect the subject site to gauge the likelihood of releases from petroleum products and/or hazardous waste materials
• Conduct state file reviews to ascertain the regulatory history of the site
• Study aerial photographs and historical maps to become familiar with past uses of the site
• Review published data on site geology and hydrogeology
• Prepare a comprehensive report outlining the environmental liabilities associated with the site

If a Recognized Environmental Condition is identified at a site, ECS is fully capable of performing Phase II environmental site assessment activities to satisfy a client’s due diligence needs.  During a Phase II assessment, ECS personnel:

• Install test borings and groundwater monitoring wells to evaluate subsurface conditions
• Collect and analyze soil and water samples to determine whether contamination exists
• Prepare a comprehensive report outlining findings, recommendations, and cost estimates for further assessment and remediation activities

Because ECS maintains an extensive fleet of drilling equipment and has a close working relationship with a laboratory, we are able to complete Phase II assessments in a timely and cost-effective manner.

ECS has completed thousands of environmental site assessment projects utilizing various formats in accordance with ASTM and state-specific guidelines.  These assessments have been performed for financial institutions with special format requirements, mortgage companies, law firms, real estate groups, and private property owners, either as due diligence assessments for property sale acquisition or financing.

When findings obtained through Phase I site assessments require further inquiry, ECS is capable of providing subsurface investigation services utilizing in-house drilling equipment and specialized field-based screening methods.  As consultants for regional and national petroleum distributors and individual station operators, ECS has overseen underground storage tank (UST) closure and associated contaminated soil excavation, disposal or recycling for hundreds of USTs.

• Assessment of soil and groundwater conditions
• Operation of specialized drilling equipment and use of geophysical methods to characterize subsurface conditions
• Delineation of contamination and generation of computer-based site plans
• Assessment and remedial activities in freshwater and brackish water conditions
• Evaluation of the impact of contaminated groundwater to wetlands and other surface water bodies
• Computer simulation of groundwater flow and contaminant transport to evaluate the potential for contaminant migration