Environmental Site Assessment

With over 8,500 successfully completed environmental projects, EPAC Environmental Services Inc. is Florida’s trusted partner for Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments. We recognize the critical importance of accurate, timely, and discreet environmental evaluations for your property. Our services include comprehensive site assessments, laboratory analysis, and detailed explanations of any contingencies related to your site’s condition.

For more than 30 years, we have collaborated with every major lending institution, making us uniquely positioned to effectively communicate your property’s environmental findings to lenders. As a state-licensed and certified environmental firm, we ensure your assessment is conducted by highly trained professionals with a minimum of 10 years of experience. Our team understands the urgency of your project, delivering efficient results without compromising quality.

When you need reliable environmental assessments, trust EPAC Environmental Services Inc. - one of the leading environmental consulting firms in Florida to provide the expertise and support necessary for informed decision-making.

Phase I Environmental Site Assessment

The following represents the scope of the services EPAC normally performs as part of a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment. This scope of services is designed to conform to ASTM E1527-21 guidelines and to address any obvious environmental issues that might compromise the environmental integrity of the site.  Each project will be summarized in a narrative text form with both an executive summary and a conclusion section.

The environmental audit will consist of the following steps:

1. Review of Federal, State, and Local Regulatory Compliance

This step involves a thorough examination of applicable environmental laws and regulations to ensure the site complies with current standards. Key activities include:

• Reviewing records from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state environmental agencies.
• Verifying permits and licenses required for operations on the property.
• Assessing compliance with waste management, air quality, and water usage regulations.

2. Identification and Assessment of Potential Contamination Source Areas

EPAC identifies and evaluates potential sources of contamination that may impact the soil, groundwater, or air quality at the site. This includes:

• Assessing nearby industrial or commercial facilities.
• Identifying storage or handling areas for hazardous substances.
• Mapping potential migration pathways for contaminants.

3. Examination of Historical Property Use and Ownership

A comprehensive review of the property's history is conducted to uncover past activities that might have resulted in contamination. Tasks include:

• Examining old maps, directories, and aerial photographs.
• Reviewing property deeds, zoning records, and land use documents.
• Investigating prior ownership and operational activities.

4. Review of Public Records for Environmental Liens

Public records are scrutinized to identify any existing environmental liens or activity use limitations (AULs) placed on the property. This ensures transparency regarding any legal restrictions due to environmental issues.

5. Evaluation of Hazardous Substances Utilized On-Site

This step assesses the types and quantities of hazardous substances present on the site and how they are stored and managed. Key activities include:

• Reviewing Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).
• Examining manifests, storage containers, and handling protocols.
• Assessing compliance with safety and environmental guidelines for hazardous materials.

6. Interview of Neighboring Site Owners and Tenants

To gain a broader understanding of potential environmental risks, EPAC interviews adjacent property owners and tenants. This step helps identify liabilities resulting from peripheral operations, such as:

• Chemical handling or disposal practices at nearby facilities.
• Off-site contamination that could migrate onto the subject property.

7. Comprehensive Site Inspection

EPAC conducts a detailed physical inspection of the property to identify environmental concerns, which includes:

• Searching for evidence of chemical spills, poor housekeeping, or improper waste disposal.
• Locating and evaluating underground storage tanks (USTs), piping, or abandoned equipment.
• Assessing the condition of above-ground storage tanks and secondary containment systems.

8. Identification of Suspected Asbestos-Containing Building Materials

Structures on the site are inspected to identify potential asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). These materials are flagged for further evaluation or testing to determine the presence of asbestos, which poses significant health risks.

9. Assembly of the Phase I Environmental Audit Report

The final report consolidates all findings into a comprehensive document. This includes:

• An executive summary highlighting key findings and recommendations.
• A detailed narrative covering each step of the assessment.
• Conclusions and recommendations for next steps, such as Phase II Environmental Assessments if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions for a Phase I ESA:

What properties need a Phase I ESA?

Commercial properties. When applying for a loan on a commercial property or re-financing, lenders will require a report to protect their interest in the property to assure there is no unacceptable risk of environmental liability.

What properties do not need a Phase I ESA?

Residential properties do not generally need a Phase I ESA unless there are special circumstances, such as an underground storage tank or a known spill that occurred in the past. Residential properties may also require a Phase I ESA if they are adjacent to a property with known or suspected contamination or other environmental conditions.

Phase II Environmental Site Assessment

A Phase II Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) builds upon the findings of a Phase I ESA to confirm and evaluate potential environmental hazards. This detailed assessment focuses on collecting physical samples and conducting laboratory analyses to determine the presence, nature, and extent of contamination. Below is an in-depth description of the steps involved in phase II assessment:

1. Purpose and Initiation of Phase II ESA

A Phase II ESA is initiated when:

• A Phase I ESA identifies potential environmental concerns, such as historical activities or visible signs of contamination.
• Stakeholders, such as property owners, developers, or financial institutions, are aware of existing contamination and require further evaluation to assess risks.
  The goal is to either confirm the absence of hazardous substances or quantify the level and extent of contamination if present.

2. Site Investigation and Sampling Plan

A detailed investigation plan is developed, outlining specific areas of concern (AOCs) and the types of samples to be collected. This plan includes:

• Selection of sampling locations based on Phase I findings, such as suspected spill areas, underground storage tanks (USTs), or industrial discharge zones.
• Determining the sampling techniques and equipment to be used, such as borings, monitoring wells, or surface water collection methods.

3. Sample Collection

Samples are collected from various environmental media to assess contamination. Key sampling methods include:

• Soil Sampling: Subsurface soil samples are extracted using drill rigs or hand augers in areas where contamination is suspected.
• Groundwater Sampling: Groundwater monitoring wells are installed to collect water samples at various depths, ensuring comprehensive analysis of potential aquifer contamination.
• Surface Water Sampling: Water from ponds, streams, or other surface water bodies near the site is collected to evaluate contamination from runoff or leachate.
• Air Sampling (if applicable): Air quality is assessed if the site is suspected of emitting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or other airborne contaminants.

4. Sample Preservation and Transport

Collected samples are handled with care to maintain their integrity. This involves:

• Properly sealing and labeling containers.
• Preserving samples following industry standards, such as refrigeration for volatile compounds.
• Shipping samples to accredited laboratories under a strict chain-of-custody protocol to ensure data reliability.

5. Laboratory Analysis

Samples are analyzed in certified laboratories to identify and quantify contaminants. Common analyses include:

• Testing for hydrocarbons, heavy metals, VOCs, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), pesticides, and other hazardous substances.
• Assessing concentrations against regulatory thresholds to determine compliance or the need for remediation.

6. Data Interpretation and Risk Assessment

The results of laboratory tests are carefully analyzed to interpret the significance of findings. This includes:

• Mapping the distribution of environmental contaminants across the site.
• Identifying potential migration pathways, such as groundwater flow or air dispersion.
• Assessing risks to human health and the environment based on contaminant levels and exposure scenarios.

7. Phase II ESA Report

A comprehensive Phase II report is prepared, documenting all findings and providing actionable insights. Key components of the report include:

• Executive Summary: Highlights major findings and recommendations.
• Data Analysis: Presents laboratory results and their interpretation.
• Site Maps: Illustrates sampling locations and contamination patterns.
• Conclusions and Recommendations: Summarizes the extent of contamination and suggests next steps, such as:
  • No further action if contamination levels are below regulatory limits.
  • Further investigations, such as a Phase III ESA or remedial design.
  • Specific remediation measures, such as soil excavation, groundwater treatment, or vapor mitigation.

8. Regulatory Compliance and Stakeholder Communication

The findings are shared with relevant regulatory agencies and stakeholders to ensure compliance and inform decisions regarding the property. Recommendations for remedial actions are aligned with state and federal guidelines to facilitate approvals and successful implementation.

By conducting a Phase II ESA, EPAC Environmental Services Inc. provides clients with the data and analysis necessary to address environmental risks, protect investments, and ensure regulatory compliance. This critical step is essential for informed decision-making in property transactions and redevelopment projects.

Get Started with Your Phase I & II Environmental Site Assessments in Florida

Whether you need a Phase I or Phase II Environmental Site Assessment, EPAC Environmental Services Inc. is here to ensure that you make informed decisions with confidence. With over 8,500 projects completed and more than 30 years of experience, our team is ready to deliver accurate, thorough, and timely assessments. Contact us today at (954) 974-7055 to discuss your property’s environmental needs and begin the process of protecting your investment. Let EPAC help you navigate any environmental challenges—get in touch now to schedule your assessment!