Thursday, June 24, 2010

Revised Vapor Encroachment Screening Standard

ASTM has recently released an update to procedures used to evaluate soil vapor encroachment, or VES, (formerly referred to as ‘soil vapor intrusion’) under “E2600-10 Standard Guide for Vapor Encroachment Screening on Property Involved in Real Estate Transactions”. The newly revised standard reflects several significant amendments, including:

  • A more targeted focus on screening for contaminant of concern (COC) vapors with the potential for encroaching upon or migrating to the target property
  • Exchanging the term vapor intrusion condition (VIC) with the new term, vapor encroachment condition (VEC)
  • Clarifying the relationship between a VEC and a recognized environmental condition under the E1527-05 Phase I ESA standard

The guide is intended for use on a voluntary basis by parties who wish to conduct a VES on a parcel of real estate to determine if a VEC is identified for the property. The process defined in the guide is a screening process that requires information similar to information generally collected as part of a Practice E1527 Phase I ESA as well as additional information. If a VEC is identified by this screening process, the user may conduct further investigation. The guide can be applied to property with existing structures, property with structures that will be substantially rehabilitated, property without existing structures but having planned structures, or property without existing structures and with no planned structures.

Caltha LLP assists Sellers, prospective Buyers and their Lenders in meeting Due Diligence, Environmental Site Assessment and Environmental Review requirements. To request a quote on-line, go to Caltha Environmental Assessment Quote Web Page.

For further information contact Caltha LLP at info@calthacompany.com or Caltha LLP Website