Phase II Soil and Groundwater Investigations- An Overview

Phase II Soil and Groundwater Investigations, also referred to as Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESA), are essential for evaluating environmental risks associated with a property. These investigations are usually initiated when a Phase I ESA identifies Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs). The primary goal is to detect and quantify contamination in soil and groundwater, refine site models, and assess potential risks to human health, the environment, and property development.

The process involves geophysical surveys, drilling, utility clearance, and laboratory analysis, all conducted under stringent standards such as ASTM guidelines. Certified professionals prepare comprehensive reports that detail findings and recommendations, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.

Key benefits include early detection of environmental hazards, optimized project design, adherence to regulatory requirements, and enhanced community and environmental well-being. These investigations play a pivotal role in sustainable development by facilitating informed decision-making and balancing economic growth with ecological preservation.

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What is a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment?

Phase II environmental site assessment is an assessment that helps stakeholders to identify recognized environmental condition (REC) or the potential impacts to the subsurface at a site. Meanwhile, the presence of a REC or an environmentally impacted property can reduce its value.

The objective behind stakeholders conducting phase ii subsurface investigations is to reduce the liability and future cleanup expenses on their investment which includes tests, soil gas, groundwater, and soil investigation overall to identify sources of environmental impacts.

When do I Need Phase II Limited Subsurface Investigation?

Buyers or stakeholders may opt for a Phase II limited subsurface investigation during the due diligence process when the Recognized Environmental Condition (REC) identified in a Phase I ESA is minor or localized.

Unlike a full-scale Phase II Environmental Site Assessment (ESA), this limited investigation focuses on confirming the presence of pollutants in specific locations, types of media (such as soil, groundwater, surface water, air, or vapours), or a restricted number of samples. This approach is both cost-effective and efficient, enabling buyers to address immediate concerns without committing to a comprehensive investigation.

A Phase II limited subsurface investigation helps buyers determine if the REC poses a higher level of risk than they are comfortable accepting. It also provides clarity on whether further, more detailed full-scale Phase II soil and groundwater investigations are necessary to fully assess contamination.

Applicable Situation for Soil and Groundwater Investigations

Phase I and Phase II soil and groundwater investigations are commonly conducted in connection with commercial real estate transactions. These investigations are typically required for the following reasons:

1. Property Acquisition

To assess potential environmental risks before purchasing the property.

2. Property Sale

To evaluate and disclose any existing environmental issues before selling.

3. Property Refinancing

To ensure the property complies with environmental regulations for lenders.

4. Property Re-insurance

To verify environmental conditions for insurance purposes.

The list of benefits of phase II soil and groundwater investigations are as follows:

Environmental and Health Assessment

Phase II Soil and Groundwater Investigations detect contamination but may not determine its full lateral and vertical extent, which is crucial for a proper clean-up estimate.

Reduced Costs and Time

Additional testing after Phase II can lead to cost-saving changes in project design and reduce implementation time.

Enhanced Project Acceptability

Phase II Soil and Groundwater Investigations help avoid negative consequences, ensure regulatory compliance, and improve overall project performance.

Cost Savings

Phase II Soil and Groundwater Investigations reduces expenses related to treatment and clean-up efforts by providing a clearer picture of contamination.

Documents Required for Soil and Groundwater Investigations

The list of documents required for soil and groundwater investigations is as follows:

1. Report of Phase I Environment Site Assessment
2. Strategy for Sampling and Analysis (SAP)
3. Plan for Health and Safety (HASP)
4. Forms for Maintaining Sample Custody During Collection
5. Laboratory Analysis Result
6. Risk Assessment Report
7. Remediation Strategy
8. Authorization from Regulatory Bodies for the Remediation Strategy
9. Plan for Execution and Monitoring
10. Reports for Continuous Monitoring

Procedure for Phase II Soil and Groundwater Investigations

The step-by-step procedure for conducting phase II soil and groundwater investigations is as follows:

Comprehensive Review of Site-Specific Data and Designing an Investigation Scope

For each Phase II Soil and Groundwater Investigation, geologists and engineers must develop a site-specific scope of work. Laboratory testing criteria vary depending on the land use, such as chemical analyses for a fuel station contamination site differing from those at a dry cleaner site. The number of drilling locations, sample types, and drill rigs used also vary by site.

Necessary Permits for Phase II Soil and Groundwater Investigations

Environmental drilling permits are necessary for Phase II investigations. Most projects require a Well and drilling Permit. Applying for a drilling permit can increase the cost and time of completing a Phase II Environmental Report.

Compliance with permit regulations is critical to avoid fines, and permits must typically be closed after the work is completed. Agencies require a closing report detailing the contamination testing methods and results to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and prevent cross-contamination in aquifers.

Coordination and Implementation of Assessment Fieldwork

Fieldwork must be carefully coordinated and managed. Success depends on strong management, timing, budgets, and results. Key activities include preliminary site walks, geophysical surveys, drilling, utility clearance marking, and sampling. After drilling, borings must be properly abandoned according to permit standards.

Geologists create a site map, project notes, and photos, while environmental professionals conduct laboratory analysis, risk assessments, and reporting. Safety is a critical aspect, with field staff required to assess site-specific health and safety plans before starting work.

Geophysical Survey & Utility Clearance

In some cases, Phase II Environmental Site Assessments require a geophysical survey to locate underground storage tanks, power lines, and other subsurface anomalies.

The survey, using technologies like electromagnetic and ground-penetrating radar, helps determine the extent of contamination and informs the sampling scope. Data from these surveys guides decisions about sample quantity, frequency, location, and depth.

Compilation of Results and Data for Technical Risk Assessment

Once fieldwork is complete, geologists consolidate project data, including laboratory results and the scope of work. They assess chemical detections by comparing them to Phase II Soil and Groundwater Investigation screening thresholds.

A vapour intrusion model is used to evaluate potential migration of harmful vapours, integrating site-specific laboratory and structural data. These assessments lead to final conclusions and recommendations.

Reviewing Data and Validating Conclusions and Recommendations

After completing the investigation, all methodologies, findings, and conclusions are documented in a final report. It includes data tables and figures outlining the extent of the evaluation. Recommendations are based on standard environmental engineering practices and EPA and ASTM guidelines.

Preparation of Final Report

The final report includes a concise description of the location and geological context, as well as the methodologies, techniques, and conclusions. It makes recommendations based on the findings, adhering to industry standards. The report must be certified by a professional geologist to be valid.
A Phase II Soil and Groundwater Investigations can be time-consuming, particularly when sampling is required. The most time-intensive part is often arranging for a company to perform the necessary drilling or sampling. Typically:

• Sample Collection: Conducted within 14 days of determining the need for a Phase II ESA.
• Analysis: Takes approximately 7 days after samples are collected.
• Final Report: The entire process usually takes about 4 weeks.
  
  

  Cost of Phase II Soil and Groundwater Investigations

  The cost of a Phase II Soil and Groundwater Investigations can vary widely based on several factors, including:

  • The type of laboratory analysis needed
  • The method of sample collection
  • Whether underground utility lines need to be identified
  • The need for extensive monitoring
  • The depth of subsurface exploration
  • Any constraints related to overhead or site conditions

  Each project is unique, so the final cost will depend on these and other specific requirements.

Why Opt for Fastzeal for Soil and Groundwater Investigations?

Fastzeal has established itself as one of the most reputed environmental business consulting ventures. Given below are the reasons why we are the top choice for greenpreneurs for soil and groundwater investigations in India-

• Assisted in Successful Completion of 1000+ Phase I and Phase II Investigations
• A Network of 200+ Environmental Experts and Geologists Well-versed in Phase II Soil and Groundwater Investigations
• Saved Over 1 Crore Rupees in Performing Environmental Investigation
• 99.5% Success Rate in Delivering Accurate Reports for Phase II Groundwater and Soil Investigations
• End-to-end Assistance for Phase II Soil and Groundwater Investigations
• 10+ Years of Proven Experience in Phase II Subsurface Investigations
• 24/7 Round-the-clock Support for Coordination in Phase II Groundwater and Soil Investigations
• Compliance Management Solutions for Phase II Limited Subsurface Investigations