When do I need to hire an environmental consulting company?
What is a Phase I ESA?
When should I complete a Phase II ESA?
What are Brownfields?
What should I do if I have asbestos identified in my building or home?
How does a radon mitigation system work?
When do I need to hire an environmental consulting company?
Services provided by environmental consulting firms include performing due diligence during property acquisitions; inspecting sites for the presence of hazardous substances; removing asbestos, lead paint or mold from a building; assessing indoor air quality concerns; disposing of contaminated soil; monitoring groundwater conditions; interpreting regulations and negotiating with regulatory officials; and complying with permit requirements and reporting.
What is a Phase I ESA?
Lenders often require a Phase I ESA prior to approving loans for commercial, industrial or multi-family properties. The Phase I will include a visual inspection of the subject and adjoining properties by an environmental professional and research into the past use of those properties. The current “all appropriate inquiry” Phase I protocol (ASTM 1527 05) protects property buyers from federal Superfund cleanup liability. A Phase I ESA does not include sampling or analysis of soil, groundwater, surface water, or other media.
When should I complete a Phase II ESA?
Upon completion of a Phase I ESA, environmental conditions may be identified which would require further investigation in order to complete your due diligence. The Phase II ESA is a separate follow up investigation to the Phase I and can include site-specific sampling and analysis of soil, groundwater, surface water, or suspected hazardous materials. The Phase II ESA may also include invasive or non-invasive investigations of suspected underground storage tanks (USTs), buried drums, or other subsurface waste materials.
What are Brownfields?
Brownfields are underutilized or abandoned industrial or commercial properties where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination. Examples include factories, rail yards, landfills, dry cleaners, etc. They are typically located in or near urban areas but may be found in rural areas as well. A Brownfield property may be owned by private citizens, companies, land trusts, banks, or local governments, to name a few.
What should I do if I have asbestos identified in my building or home?
Not all asbestos containing materials (ACM) pose an immediate threat to human health and not all types of ACM need to be removed. Certain ACM such as floor tile, siding, or roofing do not readily release asbestos fibers. These materials may not need to be removed if they remain undisturbed by renovation activities and are in good condition. If the ACM is damaged, friable, or located in an area where it will be disturbed, it should be removed by a licensed asbestos contractor. The asbestos contractor may need to obtain permits and follow state and federal regulations during the abatement process. All ACM removed from the building will require disposal at a landfill permitted to accept asbestos waste.
How does a radon mitigation system work?
Radon typically enters a structure due to a pressure differential between the negative pressure of the interior space and the positive pressure of the exterior surrounding soil. A typical radon mitigation system uses a fan (located in an attic or outside the building) to draw air out from under the concrete slab or crawl space. If the system is designed correctly, the exterior surrounding soil will be under negative pressure compared to the interior space. This process will stop the infiltration of radon gas into the structure.
