Environmental Site Assessment & Investigation Flashcards
6 cards from real ETC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Environmental Site Assessment & Investigation flashcards as text
What is the primary purpose of a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) conducted under ASTM E1527?
Answer: To identify recognized environmental conditions (RECs) through records review, site inspection, and interviews without sampling
A Phase I ESA identifies Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs) — past or present hazardous substance use or releases — through historical records, regulatory database review, site inspection, and interviews, without physical sampling.
Which regulatory database is reviewed during a Phase I ESA to identify properties listed as federal Superfund sites?
Answer: CERCLIS (CERCLA Information System / SEMS)
The CERCLA Information System (now called SEMS — Superfund Enterprise Management System) lists sites on the National Priorities List (NPL) and other CERCLA sites, which are mandatory review items in Phase I ESAs.
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:
Answer: A Recognized Environmental Condition (REC) warranting Phase II investigation
Formerly present USTs removed without documented regulatory closure represent a REC because contamination from leaks or improper closure may remain, warranting Phase II sampling to investigate.
What is the primary objective of a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment?
Answer: To collect and analyze environmental samples to confirm or deny the presence of contamination identified in the Phase I ESA
A Phase II ESA involves collecting and analyzing soil, groundwater, soil gas, or building material samples at locations targeted by Phase I RECs to confirm or refute whether contamination is actually present.
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?
Answer: Dry cleaning establishment operated on-site from 1955 to 1990
Dry cleaners historically used tetrachloroethylene (PCE) as a cleaning solvent, which is a common and persistent groundwater contaminant; former dry cleaning operations are one of the most significant sources of chlorinated solvent RECs.
What is a 'vapor encroachment condition' (VEC) as defined under ASTM E2600, and why is it significant for property transactions?
Answer: A condition where chemical vapors from a nearby contamination source may migrate into the subsurface of a subject property and intrude into buildings
A VEC exists when chemical vapors from off-site or on-site contamination sources may migrate into the vadose zone beneath a subject property and potentially intrude into buildings through vapor intrusion pathways.