What is an Phase II Environmental Site Assessment?
Phase II Environmental Site Assessments are becoming more common in the Chicago Area due to increased commercial real estate transactions on older “run-down” buildings and property. Most Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESA) are performed when the Phase I ESA identifies some form of contamination and/or recommends further investigation.
The standard of the Phase II ESA is typically defined by the scope proposed by the Environmental Consultant and accepted by the client. This allows the scope of work to be tailored to each individual site and situation. All additional testing should be performed following all state and local guidelines put forth by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA).
Scope of Work Performed
- Customized Investigation Based On Site Specific Findings
- Soil and Groundwater Sampling
- Soil Vapor Surveys
- Detailed Reports including Lab Results
What can be learned in the Phase II?
A Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment Chicago report is prepared summarizing the findings and recommending additional corrective action activities and/or remedial solutions as needed. Upon completion of a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment, an experienced Environmental Consultant can provide a detailed analysis of the environmental conditions found on the property as well as recommendations for managing those conditions.
Who Can You Hire for the Phase II ESA?
In order to conduct a Phase II a company must have or employ an “Environmental Professional.” Here are the qualifications one must have to be considered an environmental professional:
- Possess a current Professional Engineer (PE) or Professional Geologist (PG) license or registration from a state and have the equivalent of 3 years full-time experience (with environmental due diligence activities); –or-
- Possess a Baccalaureate (Bachelor’s degree) or higher degree from an accredited institution of higher education in a discipline of engineering or science and 5 years equivalent full-time experience; –or-
- Have the equivalent of 10 years full-time experience.
So, aside from engineers or geologists, there is no certification for an environmental professional. If you meet the definition of one, then you are able to perform the assessments.
A person not meeting one or more of these qualifications can assist in the Phase II process in various ways if they are under the supervision or responsible charge of an environmental professional, but cannot perform the Phase II ESA on their own.
If you have a property in the Chicago Area and need a Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment Chicago, please contact the professionals at the Eagle Environmental Consultants with offices in St. Charles, IL.
