ETC Environmental Site Assessment & Investigation

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) conducted under ASTM E1527?

Accepted Answer

To identify recognized environmental conditions (RECs) through records review, site inspection, and interviews without sampling

Answer

To collect soil and groundwater samples for laboratory analysis

Answer

To develop a cleanup cost estimate for a contaminated property

Answer

To satisfy RCRA permit requirements for hazardous waste facilities

Question 2

Which regulatory database is reviewed during a Phase I ESA to identify properties listed as federal Superfund sites?

Accepted Answer

CERCLIS (CERCLA Information System / SEMS)

Answer

RCRIS (RCRA Corrective Action/Notifiers database)

Answer

ECHO (Enforcement and Compliance History Online)

Answer

TRI (Toxics Release Inventory)

Question 3

During a Phase I ESA, the environmental professional discovers historical aerial photographs showing underground storage tanks (USTs) that were removed in 1985 with no closure documentation. This finding would most likely be reported as:

Accepted Answer

A Recognized Environmental Condition (REC) warranting Phase II investigation

Answer

A Business Environmental Risk (BER) requiring further action

Answer

A Historical Recognized Environmental Condition (HREC) if regulatory closure was obtained

Answer

A de minimis condition with no significance

Question 4

What is the primary objective of a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment?

Accepted Answer

To collect and analyze environmental samples to confirm or deny the presence of contamination identified in the Phase I ESA

Answer

To prepare a cleanup cost estimate for identified contamination

Answer

To obtain regulatory closure for confirmed contamination through remediation

Answer

To evaluate alternative remediation technologies for a contaminated site

Question 5

When evaluating historical aerial photographs in a Phase I ESA, which feature would most strongly suggest the potential for chlorinated solvent contamination on a commercial property?

Accepted Answer

Dry cleaning establishment operated on-site from 1955 to 1990

Answer

Staining patterns consistent with hydraulic oil spills in a parking area

Answer

Dumpsters located near the building service entrance

Answer

Fuel oil tank for building heating identified near the utility entrance

Question 6

What is a 'vapor encroachment condition' (VEC) as defined under ASTM E2600, and why is it significant for property transactions?

Accepted Answer

A condition where chemical vapors from a nearby contamination source may migrate into the subsurface of a subject property and intrude into buildings

Answer

A plume of dissolved contaminants migrating toward a property boundary in groundwater

Answer

Visible air emissions from a neighboring industrial facility affecting air quality

Answer

An OSHA-defined air quality concern for worker exposure at industrial sites