CES CES Environmental Site Assessment & Investigation

Question 1

What is a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) primarily designed to identify?

Accepted Answer

Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs)

Answer

A Phase I ESA identifies Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs), which indicate the presence or likely presence of hazardous substances or petroleum products on a property.

Question 2

Which ASTM standard governs Phase I Environmental Site Assessments in the US?

Accepted Answer

ASTM E1527-21

Answer

ASTM E1527-21 is the standard practice for Phase I ESAs and satisfies the EPA's All Appropriate Inquiries (AAI) rule under CERCLA.

Question 3

What does 'All Appropriate Inquiries' (AAI) refer to in environmental site assessment?

Accepted Answer

The federal pre-purchase environmental due diligence standard under CERCLA

Answer

AAI is the federal standard under CERCLA defining the due diligence process prospective purchasers must complete to qualify for innocent landowner liability protections.

Question 4

During a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment, which activity is typically performed?

Accepted Answer

Soil borings and groundwater sampling

Answer

Phase II ESAs involve intrusive investigation activities such as soil borings and groundwater sampling to physically characterize potential contamination identified in Phase I.

Question 5

What is a 'Recognized Environmental Condition' (REC) as defined in ASTM E1527-21?

Accepted Answer

The presence or likely presence of hazardous substances indicating a release to the environment

Answer

A REC is defined as the presence or likely presence of hazardous substances or petroleum products under conditions that indicate a release or threatened release.

(CES) Certified Environmental Specialist Practice Test

(CES) Certified Environmental Specialist Practice Test

CES CES Environmental Site Assessment & Investigation