Conducting Phase I and Phase II Assessments

The EP will spend 2-4 hours on-site (longer for larger properties). They will systematically walk the interior and exterior, looking for: evidence of chemical storage or use (drums, containers, staining), underground storage tanks (fill pipes, vent pipes, dispensers), floor drains that may discharge to soil, transformers or electrical equipment that may contain PCBs, evidence of past industrial or commercial operations, and current environmental compliance (hazardous waste storage, SPCC plans). Accompany the EP during the site visit to provide context and ensure they have access to all areas. Point out any areas of concern you identified during your own walk-through. Ask the EP for preliminary impressions before they leave the site.

Phase II soil sampling uses a direct-push rig (Geoprobe) to collect soil cores at depths of 2-15 feet, typically at 5-10 locations per site. Groundwater sampling requires installing temporary or permanent monitoring wells (2-4 inch diameter, 15-30 feet deep) and collecting water samples after the well has stabilized. Soil vapor sampling installs vapor probes through the building slab or at the building perimeter to collect gas samples. All samples are shipped under chain-of-custody protocols to a certified laboratory. Analysis typically takes 5-10 business days. Results are reported in parts per million (ppm) for soil, parts per billion (ppb) for groundwater, and micrograms per cubic meter for soil vapor. Each analyte result is compared to the applicable screening level to determine if contamination exceeds regulatory thresholds.

Phase II results fall into four categories. Clean: all results below screening levels—no further action. Low-Level Contamination: results above background but below screening levels—monitoring may be recommended but no remediation required. Above Screening Levels: one or more samples exceed regulatory standards—remediation is likely required, but the extent depends on the contaminant, concentration, and affected area. Significantly Elevated: concentrations many times above screening levels—significant remediation required, potentially a deal-killer. For investment decision-making, focus on: the spatial extent of contamination (how large an area is affected?), the vertical extent (how deep does it go?), the potential for migration (is it moving toward receptors like drinking water wells?), and the estimated remediation cost range. Request that the consultant provide a remediation cost estimate as part of the Phase II report.