Phase II Environmental Site Assessment (ESA)

Definitions

Phase II Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is a detailed investigation conducted when preliminary assessments indicate possible contamination at a site. This phase involves specific sampling, laboratory analysis, and studies to determine the nature and extent of contaminants and to estimate the associated remediation costs.

Examples

1. Former Industrial Site: A Phase II ESA would be conducted at a former industrial site where Phase I findings identified potential soil and groundwater contamination due to historical manufacturing activities.

2. Abandoned Gas Station: If a Phase I ESA flags underground storage tank leaks at an abandoned gas station, a Phase II ESA will involve soil and groundwater testing to measure contamination levels.

3. Agricultural Land: A farm suspected of pesticide contamination would undergo Phase II ESA. Ground and surface water samples will determine contamination levels and necessary remediation steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

What triggers a Phase II ESA?

• A Phase II ESA is typically triggered after a Phase I ESA indicates potential contamination, such as the presence of hazardous materials or activities that may have led to contamination.

What activities are involved in a Phase II ESA?

• Activities may include drilling of soil borings, installation of groundwater monitoring wells, sampling of soil and water, and laboratory analysis of samples.

How long does a Phase II ESA take?

• Duration can vary, but it often takes several weeks to a few months, depending on the site’s condition, the extent of contamination, and the complexity of the investigation.

Who performs a Phase II ESA?

• Environmental professionals, often with backgrounds in geology, engineering, or chemistry, typically conduct these assessments.

What come after a Phase II ESA?

• If contamination is confirmed, a Phase III ESA can be carried out to develop a detailed remediation plan.

Related Terms

1. Phase I ESA: An initial assessment to identify potential issues at a site based on historical records, site reconnaissance, and interviews.

   • Definition: Phase I ESA serves as the preliminary investigation to identify recognized environmental conditions (RECs).

2. Remediation: Actions taken to clean up, mitigate, or contain environmental contamination.

   • Definition: Remediation includes various techniques and technologies used to remove or neutralize contaminants from the environment.

3. Underground Storage Tanks (USTs): Tanks buried underground, commonly used for storing petroleum products.

   • Definition: USTs are a frequent source of soil and groundwater contamination when leaks occur.

4. Contaminant: Any physical, chemical, biological, or radiological substance or matter that is present in an environment where it is not normally found or is present at levels that can adversely affect biodiversity or human health.

   • Definition: Contaminants can include heavy metals, pesticides, petroleum products, and industrial chemicals.

Online Resources

1. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - Brownfields Program: Provides guidance and resources for conducting Phase II ESAs.

   • EPA Brownfields Program

2. ASTM International - Standards for Environmental Site Assessments: Offers standards for Phase I and Phase II ESAs under ASTM E1527-13 and ASTM E1903-19.

   • ASTM International

3. American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) - Environmental and Water Resources Institute: Repository for research and publications related to environmental site assessments.

   • ASCE EWRI

References

1. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). “All Appropriate Inquiries Rule.” https://www.epa.gov/brownfields/brownfields-all-appropriate-inquiries
2. ASTM International. “E1903-19: Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase II Environmental Site Assessment Process.”
3. American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). “Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I and Phase II”.

Suggested Books for Further Studies

1. Phase II Environmental Site Assessment by James Collitt — This book provides comprehensive instruction on field sampling methods, laboratory analysis procedures, and site evaluation techniques.

2. Environmental Site Assessment: Phase I and Phase II by Callie Schneider — An all-inclusive guide, offering an extensive insight into the ESA process and methodologies.

3. Practical Environmental Forensics: Process and Case Histories by Ioana Gloria Petrisor — Discusses advanced techniques and real-world applications of environmental forensic investigating.

4. Handbook on Well-Being by Maria Barbara — While primarily focused on general environmental practices, it has extensive coverage on remediation strategies and case history analysis.

Phase II ESA Fundamentals Quiz