Environmental Site Assessment

A typical environmental site assessment includes three main parts: Transaction Screening, Phase I, and Phase II. As mentioned in Chapter 22, each different step is completed in order to determine the overall potential hazardous materials contained within a site or location.  This is important for those who own the property or if an individual is purchasing a new piece of land.  The new owner will want to know the possible hazardous materials within the site in order to take the necessary precautions to make the site safe and reduce clean up costs if needed.

The first step of an environmental site assessment is the transaction screening.  According to Engineering Science Inc., the transaction screening is essentially a shortened version of the phase I step that occurs next.  This initial step includes a visit to the site, document review, and interviews with important personnel. These three topics are covered more in depth in Phase I.  The reason for a transaction screening is to do a quick overview of the site and its possible hazards in order to determine if a more detailed investigation needs to occur. This step is less costly than the phase I due to the fact that it does not have to be done by an environmental professional. 

After the transaction screening is completed, the next step is a phase I.  The phase I will only be done if a hazardous material of concern is noted within the transaction screening and more information is needed to determine the necessary removal of the material. As mentioned briefly above, the phase I will cover a more in depth overview of the records, site visit, interviews, and then complete a report containing the findings. Environmental Assistance Program mentions the importance of allowing time for a phase I investigation.  It may take time to review records that pertain to the site and gather information that is key to determining possible hazardous material.  The site visit is another key component to the phase I.  The environmental professional who completes the phase I will need to make sure to take photos of the site and do a visual inspection, noting any possible hazards. The interviews are done to gather first hand information and experience with those who know and work at the site.  Lastly, a report is completed of all the findings of phase I and any suggestions surrounding the next phase of the process.

As mentioned in Chapter 22,  the phase I identifies any possible contaminants, a phase II will be necessary.  The phase II revolves around the goals set by a work development plan.  This plan describes the purpose for going through with a phase II investigation and what should be accomplished through sampling the site.  The phase II includes sampling and analysis of the site and possible contaminants.  The samples may be of ground water, drums, above ground storage, or geophysical testing for underground tanks.  As with any tests or samples, there will need to be evaluation of the data collected.  Similar to the phase I, the phase II will also need to be completed by an environmental professional.  The phase II will be complete with a report of the findings to determine if the hazardous materials and their concerns were covered adequately.