PHASE II ENVIRONMENTAL SITE ASSESSMENTS

A Phase II Environmental Site Assessment, or Phase II ESA, is conducted to confirm the presence or absence of environmental impacts identified during the Phase I ESA. The investigation provides the data necessary to evaluate environmental risks, determine regulatory compliance, and support informed decisions regarding acquisition/divestiture, redevelopment, financing, or ongoing operations.

Professional Environmental Consultants, LLC’s (PEC’s) Phase II ESAs are designed to meet a wide variety of customer needs. We assist commercial and industrial clients identify and minimize environmental liabilities and ensure regulatory compliance; real estate developers to support redevelopment planning and potential eligibility for Brownfield incentives; commercial real estate agents to provide environmental transparency to facilitate smooth transactions; and lending institutions to deliver data-driven assurance to support risk-based lending decisions.

Our team follows the ASTM E1903-19 Standard Practice for Phase II Environmental Site Assessments, combined with state and local regulatory guidance. The scope may include the following tasks:

Project Planning and Review

  • Review of Phase I ESA findings and recognized environmental conditions (RECs).
  • Coordination with the client to align objectives, budget, and schedule.
  • Evaluation of geology, hydrogeology, and potential contaminant migration pathways.
  • Development of a Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP) and Health and Safety Plan (HASP).

Field Investigation Activities

  • Based on site-specific conditions and identified RECs, field activities may include:
  • Soil Sampling: Surface and subsurface soil sampling to assess soil quality.
  • Groundwater Sampling: Hydropunch® groundwater sampling and/or installation and sampling of monitoring wells.
  • Soil Gas / Indoor Air Quality Sampling: Evaluation of potential vapor intrusion pathways.
  • Surface Water and Sediment Sampling: For properties near drainage features or wetlands.

All field activities are conducted under strict QA/QC protocols to ensure defensible results.

 Laboratory Analysis

  • Analysis of samples by certified laboratories using EPA-approved methods.
  • Typical analytes include petroleum hydrocarbons, volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds (VOCs/SVOCs), heavy metals, PCBs, and other site-specific parameters.
  • Verification of laboratory QA/QC and data validation.

Data Evaluation and Interpretation

  • Comparison of analytical results to applicable federal and state regulatory standards.
  • Evaluation of exceedances, contaminant distribution, and potential exposure pathways.
  • Development of a preliminary Conceptual Site Model (CSM) to determine environmental risks and liabilities.

Reporting and Recommendations

  • Findings: Detailed presentation of sampling results, supported by tabulated data summaries, figures, and maps. Identification of contaminants of concern, if present, and their spatial distribution. Correlation of results to the RECs identified in the Phase I ESA.
  • Conclusions: Summary of environmental conditions and associated risk levels. Determination of whether further investigation or remediation is warranted. Clear, actionable conclusions to guide next steps.
  • Recommendations (tailored to client needs):
    • Industrial Clients: Compliance actions, spill prevention, and ongoing monitoring recommendations.
    • Real Estate Developers: Remedial options, cost opinions, and integration with redevelopment design.
    • Real Estate Agents and Lenders: Environmental risk evaluation and recommendations for risk mitigation.

Deliverables

  • Comprehensive Phase II ESA Report with narrative, analytical results, and supporting documentation.
    • Summary tabulated analytical data showing a summary of laboratory analysis and QA/QC data;
    • Figures and maps showing sampling locations, contaminant distribution, and groundwater flow direction.
    • Appendices: Field logs, laboratory reports, QA/QC data, chain-of-custody forms, and site photographs.

 

Optional Deliverables:

  • Vapor intrusion assessment summary.
  • Remedial feasibility studies and/or cost to closure evaluation.
  • Regulatory reporting package (if oversight agency coordination is required).

Value to the Client

  • Regulatory Confidence: Compliance with ASTM and state-specific environmental standards.
  • Transaction Readiness: Reliable data supporting acquisition/divestiture, redevelopment, or financing decisions.
  • Risk Management: Clear identification and management of potential environmental liabilities.
  • Streamlined Process: Flexible scheduling and communication to meet transaction deadlines.

Schedule and Budget

A detailed schedule and cost estimate will be developed based on site size, access conditions, and the number of sampling locations. Typical Phase II ESA projects are completed within 60 calendar days from authorization, depending on site complexity and laboratory turnaround times.

Team and Qualifications

Our environmental professionals include licensed geologists, environmental engineers, and scientists with extensive experience conducting site investigations across industrial, commercial, and redevelopment properties. We maintain close relationships with accredited laboratories and regulatory agencies to ensure quality, accuracy, and compliance throughout every project.

Should you wish to obtain a free no-obligation estimate, do not hesitate to enter your information below or contact us at (emails and/or phone numbers).