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Assessment Services

CEA conducts several types of assessments. Transaction Screens and ASTM site assessments are typically conducted for property owners, buyers, banks and commercial clients in support of real estate transactions or refinancings. Additionally, CEA performs other environmental site assessment to follow state and federal protocols such as those found within the Massachusetts Contingency Plan (MCP). Under the MCP, CEA conducts Phase I, Phase II, and Risk Characterization and Evaluations.

ASTM Transaction Screen

If you are interested in fast and inexpensive research on your property and the sites surrounding it, CEA can provide you with a Transaction Screen. This study will cover the entire database search described under records search but also involves a questionnaire administrated to a person knowledgeable of the site. The Transaction Screen includes owner and/or occupant interviews, fire department interviews and/or Sanborn map reviews and a site inspection by one of our professionals. Our reports will meet or exceed the ASTM-E-1528 standard for Transaction Screens.

When To Do an ASTM Transaction Screen

For some properties, the Transaction Screen is a standardized approach to environmental due diligence that provides a generally acceptable degree of confidence about the environmental condition of the property. This format is only recommended for low impact uses such as undeveloped rural or residential properties. Please call our professionals if you are not sure about your due diligence obligations.

What Is Included In an ASTM Transaction Screen?

The Transaction Screen report comes with a computerized color map showing your property at the center and any sites found on the databases surrounding your site. We also include color digital photographs. All telephone conversations will be summarized in the report findings and the actual telephone memos will be presented in the appendix of the report. Copies of the ASTM questionnaire will also be included.

ASTM Phase I - Preliminary Assessment

CEA performs Phase I site assessments in accordance with the ASTM standard for a range of clients including real estate management and financial companies.

The Phase I is typically suggested for commercial and developed properties of non-residential use. Our typical Phase I assessment consists of a site inspection to identify conditions that might impose environmental liabilities. Phase I assessments may include the following: 

  • A records search of federal, state and local databases.
  • The location and legal description of your property.
  • Site and vicinity characteristics including drainage patterns, wetlands, geology, hydrogeology and surficial characteristics.
  • Improvements on the property including structures, roads and utilities.
  • Current and past uses of the property and adjoining properties.
  • A historical use review to include Sanborn maps, local directories, title search information and aerial photographs.
  • Hazardous substances identified at the property or believed to have been used on the property.
  • Hazardous substance containers and unidentified substance containers.
  • Above and underground storage tanks.
  • Indications of solid waste disposal.
  • Other conditions of concern.
  • Maps and figures.
  • Color, digital site photographs.
  • Interviews and source documentation.
  • A review of ownership/ title information.
  • Drinking water and other utility sources.
  • Findings and conclusions.
  • Copies of the report on CD.
  • Reliance letters as needed.
  • Recommendations for further testing if requested.
  • Optional report items include:
  • Suspected PCBs.
  • Suspected asbestos containing materials.
  • Suspected lead in paint, soil and water.
  • Radon information.
  • Engineering survey results if requested.
  • Structural survey results if requested.
  • Hazardous sample results if requested.
  • ASTM Phase II - Environmental Site Assessment 

The objective of a Phase II assessment is to confirm the presence or absence of suspected hazards identified in a Phase I or Transaction Screen. Typically, CEA will develop a scope of work to collect, develop and evaluate information to support the conclusions and opinions regarding the source, nature and extent, and potential impacts.

The scope of work may include a risk assessment and an estimate of the harm posed by the site to health, safety, public welfare and the environment and the need to conduct remedial actions at the disposal site. Generally, the scope of work will include a sampling program developed by a licensed professional and an implementation schedule. 

As part of CEA's investigation, CEA will complete the necessary reports for submittal as required to the state. This report shall set forth a narrative that includes maps, graphs, and tables, the approach, methods and results.

  • Typical elements of a Phase II assessment can include:
  • Soil Sampling and Analysis
  • Geological/Hydrological Investigations 
  • Installation of groundwater monitoring wells
  • Baseline risk Characterizations 
  • Test Borings/Direct Push Technology 
  • Earthprobe Services 
  • Short-Term and Long-Term Environmental Monitoring 
  • Disposal site name, location and locus map
  • Detailed disposal maps
  • Disposal site history
  • Soil types, stratigraphy, and permeability
  • Optional elements of a Phase II can include:
  • Geophysical Studies 
  • Water Supply Evaluations 
  • Geological Consulting 
  • Soil Gas Surveys 
  • Groundwater Flow and Contaminant Transport Modeling
  • Evaluation and description of potential flooding
  • Exposure Assessment
  • Public involvement

The final Phase II report documents the results of the investigation and provides an opinion stating any number of possible outcomes. These outcomes can range from no further action is required, or that additional assessment and/or remedial actions are needed. Based on CEA's extensive soil and groundwater remediation experience, any additional costs related to environmental restoration and regulatory compliance can be accurately estimated.