Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
• Suspected lead-based paint
• Suspected asbestos-containing materials
• Mold
• Radon
The environmental professional conducting the Phase I ESA must perform extensive
research and review all available written records. These researching activities apply not
only to the property in question, but also to the surrounding properties within a radius
of up to 1.6 km (1 mile) of the investigated property or site. The research/review process
typically encompasses the following items and actions:
• Title search and environmental liens
• Historical operations documents
• Historical chemical ordering documents
• Historical photographs
• Historical aerial photographs
• Engineering reports and diagrams
• Previous environmental reports
• Previous accident reports indicating whether a spill or release of a hazardous sub-
stance occurred
• Material safety data sheets (MSDS)
• Historical and current environmental compliance documents
• Hazardous substance inventories and mass balance evaluations
• Fire insurance maps
• Soil Conservation Service, soil maps, and reports
• USGS topographic maps
• USGS investigation reports
• USGS geologic maps
• Environmental agency records
• Native American Tribal records
• Local governmental records including sewer and utility departments
• Building permits
• Constructing diagrams and blueprints
The site inspection consists of a walk-through of the property or site. Items to evaluate and
document during the site inspection include (modified from Rogers 1992)
• Interviews with knowledgeable and key facility personnel
• Stressed vegetation
• Areas absent of vegetation
• Stained soil or pavement
• Aboveground storage tanks
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