Phase II Soil And Groundwater Contamination Investigation

           Implementation of the Standard Practice for Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ASTM E1527) satisfies the requirement for innocent land owner defense to limit CERCLA liability when purchasing a property.  Potential investors and developers perform Phase I due diligence to identify recognized environmental conditions.  These conditions are defined as the presence of hazardous substances or petroleum products on the property indicative of an existing release, past release or a threat release into the structures of the property, onto the grounds, groundwater or surface water.

           However, Phase I due diligence is severely limited in identifying subsurface conditions such as underground storage tanks, pits/ponds/lagoons and past spills which can result in soil and groundwater contamination.  By definition, Phase I practices do not include any testing or sampling of site materials (such as soil, water and building materials) but rely solely on facility/regulatory records, interviews and site reconnaissance findings.

           Hence, subsurface conditions are listed as a restriction or limitation in Phase I Environmental Site Assessments.  The potential presence of subsurface conditions results in a formal recommendation for the implementation of the Phase II Environmental Site Assessment.

Scope of Services

           Geophysical Subsurface Investigation - AET's personnel  map/grid the site to obtain representative data regarding the presence and locations of underground storage tanks, pipe lines or buried metal drums.  AET utilizes Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and/or an Electromagnetic (EM) method for this investigation.  In general, data is relevant to metal objects found between 10-15 feet below grade.

          Soil Contamination - AET collects surface and subsurface soil/material samples throughout the property to determine the presence of regulated pollutants.  Specific surface source samples are collected from stained areas on interior floor surfaces and exterior soils.  In addition, random subsurface samples are collected utilizing GeoProbe methodology in order to delineate any vertical or horizontal impact of regulated substances.  Soil samples for organics are typically field screened at 1 foot intervals with a portable Photoionization Detector.  All acquired samples are analyzed in accordance with EPA methods and compared to applicable federal and state regulations.  Records/logs of all investigative work and findings are compiled for inclusion within the final report.

          Groundwater Contamination - AET installs ground monitoring wells to identify concentrations of priority pollutants in groundwater.  Wells are installed both upgradient and downgradient to groundwater flow and at strategic locations within the site and at property lines.  AET also assists existing in-place systems, working with the installers and site engineers in the remediation of contaminated groundwater.

To view representative AET project profiles click here 

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