Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I ESAs & Phase II ESAs
Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) are typically performed prior to the acquisition of commercial or industrial properties to determine potential environmental concerns before the time of purchase. They can be conducted by the seller, buyer or required by the lender, as conditions warrant. While Phase I ESAs does not involve media sampling (that is generally Phase II), it does involves a review of available environmental records (federal, state and local), a site visit by trained personnel, interviews and a historical deed search to identify past uses of the site that could be of environmental concern. AGES staff members have conducted numerous Phase I ESAs and Phase II ESAs at sites, including existing pipelines that span hundreds of miles, department stores, large manufacturing facilities, apartment buildings, fuel oil pumping stations and many other sites. If a Phase II ESA is necessary, our approach focuses on streamlined, quick and cost-effective evaluations that provide our clients with critical information in a timely manner.
Environmental Desktop Site Assessments: EDSAs
If you need an initial assessment on a right-of-way property acquisition, such as a pipeline, AGES offers an Environmental Desktop Site Assessment (EDSA). This service enables our clients to efficiently evaluate numerous properties for potential environmental conditions before performing a more costly and time consuming ESA. With our EDSA service, we are able to identify current and historic Potential Recognized Environmental Concerns (PRECs) on the web, with no aircraft flyover needed. After the desktop assessment, an AGES staff member will visit the "high-risk" PRECs to determine if further action is needed. EDSAs are an innovative way to perform your due diligence at a fraction of the time and cost.
Historical Environmental Document Reviews
If you plan to lease a property instead of purchase, a Phase I ESA is not required. However, knowing the environmental history of the property in question is the best way to reduce your liability. This is why AGES offers a Historical Environmental Document Review service. It is similar to a Phase I ESA without all the technical requirements. Our reviews include a site visit and an available environmental records review; and, we deliver a full report, complete with figures and a photographic log.
Atmospheric Monitoring
Technologically Enhanced Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (TENORM), benzene and other gases pose a significant hazard to worker health in the oil and gas industry. These hazards can be present in low-lying areas, pipelines, equipment and other components; and, the work activities associated with major earth disturbance can increase the risk of worker exposure. Because upgrades, maintenance and decommissioning occur regularly on pipelines and associated facilities, the chance for exposure to radiation and gaseous hazards is substantial. The experienced staff at AGES uses a variety of monitoring devices to accurately assess atmospheric conditions before work begins. After assessment, AGES can also provide your company with recommendations for situational controls to keep your workers safe from atmospheric hazards.
Stray Gas Source Investigations
A stray gas is any gas that migrates from its usual geological location. When stray gas migrates into a drinking water well or a building, several potential risks can occur. A common, naturally-occurring stray gas is methane, which is associated with shale gas drilling and natural gas pipeline leaks. While methane is not toxic on ingestion, it poses an immediate fire and explosion hazard when mixed with air at concentrations of 5% to 15%. Therefore, it is important to evaluate and identify the actual source of the methane so the appropriate actions can be taken. AGES has the necessary experience and training required to quickly and cost-effectively evaluate situations where stray gas issues arise.
Noise Surveys
AGES measures ambient sound levels before and after drilling begins to help our clients stay within the drilling locations’ local city noise ordinances. Our noise survey reports are informative and supported by defensible data, which allows our customers to be in compliance with their Noise Management Plans. This low-cost approach also reduces our client’s risk of complaints.
Vapor Intrusion Evaluations
AGES has expertise in site screening, indoor air testing, sub-slab and soil gas sampling, source identification, risk identification and assessment, indoor air modeling, mitigation and expert testimony. Through our experience and familiarity with applicable federal and state regulations, AGES is able to identify potential liabilities during environmental due diligence, stream-line vapor intrusion investigations to maximize use of site data, evaluate investigation results through risk analysis and modeling and provide cost-effective remediation alternatives when required.
Asbestos Assessments
The experienced Building Inspectors at AGES can conduct asbestos surveys prior to real estate transfers, building renovations and structure demolitions. Our staff will identify and document asbestos-containing material (ACM) and expertly estimate linear/square footage of each material, as well as its condition, accessibility, friability and potential for fiber release. And, if warranted, our inspection reports may include detailed recommendations for appropriate response actions and cost estimates for abatement by an EPA Certified Designer or Management Planner. For more information on our Asbestos Services, visit agesenergyfieldservices.com.
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