Phase II Environmental Site Assessment

A Phase II Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is often the second step in the environmental due diligence process. If a recognized environmental condition, or REC, is identified in a Phase I ESA or if petroleum products or hazardous substances are otherwise known or suspected on a property, a Phase II ESA is used to evaluate the presence of contaminants in the soil, soil gas, and/or groundwater. A Phase II ESA can help protect an owner against substantial long-term costs and environmental liabilities and help provide a buyer or lender with information to better understand the potential business risk and to negotiate a better price.

Phase II ESA Process

Although no two Phase II ESAs assessments are the same, they typically involve subsurface investigation. Samples may be collected using hand-augers or various types of drill rigs.

Depending on the sample media and location, approvals and utility clearances may be required. Collected samples are then submitted under chain-of-custody to certified laboratories for analysis. Following receipt of the laboratory analytical results, a complete report is prepared that documents the field activities, discusses the results, and provides recommendations.

Phase II ESA Process

Although no two Phase II ESAs assessments are the same, they all typically involve subsurface investigation. Samples may be collected using hand-augers or various types of drill rigs. Depending on the sample media and location, SCDHEC approvals and utility clearances may be required. Collected samples are then submitted under chain-of-custody to certified laboratories for analysis. Following receipt of the laboratory analytical results, we will prepare a complete report documenting the field activities, results, and providing recommendations.

Brownfields Assessment

If contamination is known or suspected on a property, whether during the Phase II ESA or other means, a potential buyer may want to consider the Brownfields Program. The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) has established the Brownfields component of the Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP) which allows a non-responsible party (NRP) to acquire contaminated property with State liability protections for existing contamination by agreeing to perform an environmental assessment and/or remediation. The amount of environmental assessment work is dependent upon the future use of the property. In addition to liability protections, the State offers financial incentives including tax credits and exemptions (with County concurrence). Depending on where the property is located, the State also offers a revolving loan fund with up to $4.25 million in available funds for a NRP performing cleanup actions under the Brownfields/VCP Program.

Brownfields Assessment Process

The first step in the Brownfields/VCP Program is to submit a NRP application for a Voluntary Cleanup Contract (VCC) to the SCDES along with a current Phase I ESA. Once the VCC is executed it goes onto public notice for 30 days. During that time a VCC work plan is prepared detailing media sampling methodologies, parameters, and analyses. Following the 30-day public notice period and with SCDES approval of the VCC work plan, samples are collected and submitted to a laboratory similar to the Phase II ESA process. Following receipt of the laboratory analytical results, a complete report documenting field activities and results is submitted to the SCDES. Depending upon the findings of the assessment, additional reporting may be required by the SCDES.

Our Phase II ESAs and Brownfields assessments follow ASTM E1903-19 (Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase II Environmental Site Assessments), South Carolina Well Standards (R. 61-71), and USEPA Region 4 Laboratory Services and Applied Science Division (LSASD) Field Branches Quality System and Technical Procedures, where applicable.

Contact Us for Your Phase II ESA and/or Brownfields Assessment Needs

Evans Environmental Consulting personnel have extensive experience conducting Phase II ESAs and Brownfields assessments.
Call us today to discuss your project needs and let us help devise cost-effective solutions tailored to your particular property.