Environmental laws and regulations state that the current property owner is responsible for contamination that exists on their land even if a previous owner caused it. A thorough due diligence Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is money well spent. All ESA work performed by CES is in compliance with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standards.

Phase I Transaction Screen Process (ASTM Standard E1528)
The goal using the transaction screen process is to identify recognized environmental conditions on a property. An abrreviated reporting form is used for this type of ESA and a site reconnaissance visit is made. The transaction screen process is designed for use at simple properties (vacant lots, small businesses that are known not to generate hazardous wastes and residential peoperties) where environmental liabilities are low. A recommendation is made, if appropriate, regarding the need for further site investigation under a Phase II ESA.

Phase I ESA (ASTM Standard E1527)
Phase I ESA work under Standard E1527 typically includes a detailed site description, physical setting review (aerial photographs, interviews, etc.) and a site reconnaisance visit. Also included is a hazardous materials review, photographic documentation and preparation of a detailed report with appropriate conclusions and recommendations. ESA work performed under this standard is typically done at commercial properties, industrial properties and any other property having a known history of environmental issues or for a property that may have been impacted by an adjacent property. A recommendation is made, if appropriate, regarding the need for further site investigation under a Phase II ESA.

Phase II ESA (ASTM Standard E1903)
Phase II ESA work involves collecting additional data from a site where an environmental condition(s) was indentified in the Phase I transaction screen process of the E1527 standard process that poses an environmental risk or liability. Phase II ESA work is specific to the problem indentified and can vary considerably. The objective is to determine if existing site conditions require further environmental action such as monitoring or clean up and remediation work. CES prepares a detailed report summarizing the work performed and provides recommendation as appropriate.

Phase III ESA (Site Remediation)
An ASTM Standard for Phase III ESA does not exist because the type and variety of work performed under site clean up actions is so variable. CES uses the guidelines established by the ASTM Committee D-18. CES offers trained scientists and engineers to coordinate and supervise necessary site characterization and remediation work and uses a multi-disciplinary approach to all characterization and remediation projects. We coordinate with appropriate regulatory officials and are familiar with local, state and federal regulations associated with site remediation work.

Environmental Audit
Environmental auditing is a process to assess a facility's compliance with federal, state and local government regulations. The objective of an audit is to indentify compliance issues so that they can be corrected before environmental degredation or enforcement actions occur. An audit can focus on one, several or all environmental regulations that may affect a facility including: air quality, wastewater, drinking water, solid waste, hazardous waste, oil and petroleum, hazardous materials, special pollutants and toxic substances.

CES provides environmental auditing with a team of experienced scientists and engineers seleted for our clients' operation and location. CES teams are well versed in regulatory requirements and can work with a facility's environmental staff to provide a comprehensive audit.