Phase 1 ESA Consultant Services In Iowa Using Revised ASTM Standard E 1527-13

Caltha LLP conducts Phase 1 environmental assessments for lenders, buyers, sellers and prospective tenants across Iowa. [use this link to review summaries of Caltha LLP site assessment projects]

The revised ASTM "Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process" has been published in final form in November 2013. Caltha LLP is now conducting all Phase 1 ESAs for our work in Iowa using the revised standard.

Two of the key requirements that are significantly different compared to previous versions of this standard are:

1. Requirement for physical review of agency file. If relevant information which may be useful in the assessment is only accessible in agency files, then a file review needs to be conducted.
2. The standard now specifies three different categories for Recognized Environmental Conditions:

• ASTM E 1527-13 defines recognized environmental conditions the presence or likely presence of any hazardous substances or petroleum products in, on, or at a property: (1) due to release to the environment; (2) under conditions indicative of a release to the environment; or (3) under conditions that pose a material threat of a future release to the environment.
• A historical recognized environmental condition is a past release of any hazardous substances or petroleum products that has occurred in connection with the property and has been addressed to the satisfaction of the applicable regulatory authority or meeting unrestricted use criteria established by a regulatory authority, without subjecting the property to any required controls.
• A controlled recognized environmental condition is a recognized environmental condition resulting from a past release of hazardous substances or petroleum products that has been addressed to the satisfaction of the applicable regulatory authority with hazardous substances or petroleum products allowed to remain in place subject to the implementation of required controls.

Caltha LLP provides expert environmental consultant services in Iowa to obtain environmental permits, evaluate regulatory requirements, and to develop cost effective compliance programs.
For further information contact Caltha LLP at info@calthacompany.com or Caltha LLP Website

Environmental - EHS Consultant in Iowa

Caltha LLP provides expert environmental health and safety consultant services to clients across Iowa. Services provided include:

Iowa Air Permitting Consultant - Iowa Air Emission Compliance Expert
Compliance Auditing in Iowa
Waste Water Permitting Support
Due Diligence Services In Iowa
Stormwater Permitting and Compliance Expert
ISO 14001 Consultant - Environmental Management Systems
Spill Control - SPCC Plans and SPCC Rule Compliance
Short term Temporary EH&S staffing in Iowa
Hazardous Waste trianing - RCRA training in Iowa



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

Revised SBA Procedure For Iowa Banks Effective June 1

Since its initial release, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has made a number of revisions and clarifications to SOP 50 10 5, Chapter 4, Section III (Environmental Policies and Procedures) in response to comments from lenders and the environmental professionals who support work under these two lending programs. Previous revisions reflected new language clarifying the role of qualified environmental professionals, additions/deletions to the NAICS code list of environmentally sensitive industries, a unique set of requirements for gas stations loans or loans on properties that once housed dry cleaners, among other changes.

A new SBA procedure became effective June 1, 2012 for the agency’s 7(a) and Certified Development Company (CDC) loan programs. As of that date, all documentation submitted in support of SBA loans needs to be updated to reflect SOP 50 10 5 (E), not its predecessor, SOP 50 10 5(D). Unlike previous SBA updates, SOP 50 10 5(E) is much more similar to the previous version (D). Version E does have one significant change related to loans processed under the SBA SLA program (as is the case for the SBA’s PLP, SBA Express, Export Express and Patriot Express programs). Lenders must still follow the guidelines, but do not have to submit documentation or obtain SBA’s concurrence prior to approval or disbursement of the loan in most cases.

Like the previous version of the SOP, for all property (except for a unit in a multi-unit building), the lender/CDC must compare the property’s current and known prior uses and compare the NAICS code(s) to the list of environmentally sensitive industries. Then, if there is a NAICS code match, the Environmental Investigation must begin with an AAI-compliant Phase I ESA conducted by a qualified environmental professional, regardless of the amount of the loan. In this revision, SBA did not make any changes to the qualifications required of environmental professionals, the NAICS code list, the Reliance Letter language or other elements of the environmental requirements.

Caltha LLP is a Qualified Environmental Professional and assists Lenders in Iowa in meeting SBA requirements, including Phase 1 Environmental Assessments and Record Search With Risk Assessment (RSRA) evaluations.

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

Derelict Building Grant Program Funds Iowa Property Cleanup

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources – Financial and Business Assistance (FABA) Program has created the Derelict Building Grant Program. The program was established to assist small communities and rural counties in improving the attractiveness and appearance of their jurisdictions by providing them financial assistance to address derelict buildings. In accordance with the statutory requirement on how these funds are to be used the emphasis will be on landfill diversion through the recycling and reuse of building materials.

The eligibility requirements will entail the derelict building be located in a town or unincorporated county area of 5,000 residents or less and require the building to be owned or in the process of being owned by the town or county. The program will provide the following:

100% reimbursement for a certified Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) inspection.
100% reimbursement, not to exceed $5,000, for removing ACM. A 50% cost share is required for those costs exceeding $5,000.
100% reimbursement not to exceed $3,000 for conducting a Phase I Environmental Audit. Applicant is responsible for all costs exceeding $3,000.
50% reimbursement not to exceed $5,000 for conducting a Phase II Environmental Audit.
Building Renovation: If the building is going to be renovated, 50% reimbursement not to exceed $25,000 is available for offsetting costs related to removing materials for reuse, either at the site or offsite, or for recycling. The grant also compensates for the purchase and installation of reused or recycled materials that will be incorporated into the project.
Deconstruction: If the building is going to be deconstructed, 50% reimbursement not to exceed $50,000 is available for offsetting costs related to deconstruction. It is a goal of all deconstruction projects that 30% of the structure by weight be diverted from landfill disposal.
For every additional 10% of landfill diversion by weight above 30% that is documented upon completion of the project, Applicant cost share is reduced by 5% and grant award will increase accordingly. The maximum grant award for deconstruction projects shall not exceed $75,000.

The program is funded by the DNR’s Solid Waste Alternatives Program (SWAP) for the next three years. DNR is partnering with Keep Iowa Beautiful in the application and review process.

Caltha LLP provides expert environmental consultant services in Iowa to obtain environmental permits, evaluate regulatory requirements, and to develop cost effective compliance programs.

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

HUD Environmental Assessments and Vapor Screening In Iowa

Caltha LLP is a leading provider of property assessment services to organizations in Iowa needing to meet US Housing & Urban Development HUD environmental review requirements. Services include Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) meeting the ASTM Standard Method ASTM E-1527-05, and Vapor Encroachment Screening Assessment meeting the ASTM Standard Method ASTM E-2600-10. Caltha provides the required HUD Reliance Letter with all assessments.

To request a quote for ESA or VEC assessments meeting HUD requirements for environmental site assessment and vapor encroachment review, go to:
Request Quote for Iowa ESA and Vapor Encroachment Assessment

Caltha LLP provides expert environmental consultant services in Iowa to obtain environmental permits, evaluate regulatory requirements, and to develop cost effective compliance programs.

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

Lender Liability Training - SBA Environmental Requirements

Seminar: Understanding Lender Environmental Liabilities and Environmental Review Requirements
Minnetonka, Minnesota
January 19, 2011

The session begins with an overview of relevant Federal and state environmental laws that impose financial obligations on Lenders and Borrowers, and potentially impact property value. The seminar then will discuss the use and limitations of the typical assessment tools, such as transaction screens, Phase 1 environmental site assessments, and the use of Reliance Letters. Next, the seminar will provide an overview of environmental review procedures and requirements of SBA. During the final session, case studies will be presented to emphasize the key concepts of Lender Environmental Liabilities.

Agenda

1. Legal and Regulatory Aspects of Lender Environmental Liability
2. Lender Liability Protection and Due Diligence Tools
3. Overview of SBA Environmental Policies and Procedures
4. Case Studies
   

For further information go to:
Understanding Lender Environmental Liabilities and Environmental Review Requirements

This half day training seminar is being provided for individuals who have responsibilities for managing liabilities associated with commercial lending, and those needing to meet environmental due diligence requirements prescribed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).


Sponsored by Caltha LLP, a leading provider of environmental due diligence services in Iowa

www.calthacompany.com

Iowa SBA Lenders Using Revised Environmental Review Requirement

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has released the new version of the agency's SOP 50 10 5. The new policy, SOP 50 10 5(C), replaces its predecessor SOP 50 10 5(B), and will apply to all applications for 7(a) or CDC loans received by the SBA on or after October 1, 2010. The new revision includes several modifications to SBA's due diligence requirements.

Changes to the SBA's environmental policies include:

• The only change to the NAICS code list of environmentally sensitive industrial classifications is to clarify that 8123 "laundry & dry cleaning services" applies "if dry cleaning operations have ever existed on site," not just to current operations;
• For small loans of $150,000 or less, if the Environmental Questionnaire determines that further investigation is warranted, the lender must obtain a Records Search with Risk Assessment (RSRA) by a qualified Environmental Professional (this replaces a Transaction Screen requirement);
• Within the unique requirements for gas station loans, the SBA eliminated the requirement that only Professional Engineers or Professional Geologists with three years of experience could conduct Phase Is on gas station sites;
• Any Phase II ESA performed in connection with an on-site dry cleaning facility must be conducted by an independent Environmental Professional who holds a current Professional Engineer's or Professional Geologist's license and has three years of relevant experience; and
• The only change to the SBA's standard Reliance Letter that must accompany all Transaction Screen, Phase I and Phase II ESA reports was to add the words in bold at the end of the Phase II language as follows: "A Phase II...conducted in accordance with generally-accepted industry standards of practice and consisting of a scope of work that would be considered reasonable and sufficient to identify the presence, nature and extent of a Release as it impacts the Property."
  

Caltha LLP assists Sellers, prospective Buyers and their Lenders in Iowa 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

New Vapor Intrusion - Vapor Encoachment 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 this 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 provides expert environmental consultant services in Iowa to conduct property environmental assessments, conduct environmental review and due diligence, and to evaluate environmental liabilities.

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

US HUD Tier I Environmental Screening

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Office of Multifamily Housing has adopted Tier 1 vapor intrusion (VI) screens (the first of four tiers) under ASTM E 2600 as a mandatory component of Phase I environmental site assessments conducted under the agency's MAP (Multifamily Accelerated Processing) Guide. MAP is the procedure used by hundreds of MAP-approved lenders and HUD field offices throughout the country to process loan applications for Federal Housing Administration multifamily mortgage insurance.

Under the revised policy, a HUD Phase I ESA must include an initial vapor intrusion screen to determine if there is a potential for vapors to occur in the subsurface below existing and/or proposed on-site structures from those hazardous substances, petroleum and petroleum products that consist of VOCs, SVOCs and inorganic volatile compounds.

HUD is one of two Federal lending agencies that that prescribe additional mandatory requirements to a Phase I ESA. The Small Business Administration also has additional enviornmental review requirements for participation in its lending programs.

SBA Environmental Review / RSRA / Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Requirements

Caltha LLP provides expert environmental consultant services in Iowa to obtain environmental permits, evaluate regulatory requirements, and to develop cost effective compliance programs.

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

Regulatory Compliance Updates - EHS Rule Compliance

Caltha LLP maintains several websites to provide regulatory updates and discussion of current environmental, health and safety topics, as listed below. Interested parties can register to receive automatic notification when a new topic is posted.

SWPPP - Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans - Stormwater Permits - Stormwater Training
Discussions and comments on stormwater permitting programs in all States, including industrial, municipal (MS4) and construction sites. Topics include general stormwater permits, Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans, monitoring, training, spill prevention and control, SPCC compliance.

Water Quality Standards - Aquatic Toxicology - NPDES Permit Limits
Discussion of a variety of topics related to State and Federal water quality standards, ambient water quality criteria, sediment criteria, NPDES & site-specific discharge standards, water quality management, aquatic toxicology, aquatic community impacts, and water quality assessment.

Environmental Sustainability - Sustainable Environmental Management Systems
Discussion of sustainability topics, including pollution prevention, waste reduction, material reuse, environmental management systems, product stewardship, and international environmental standards.

Environmental Due Diligence - Site Assessments - Phase I ESA - Environmental Liability
Discussions and comments regarding environmental due diligence, environmental liabilities, CERCLA liabilities, Phase I environmental site assessments, corporate liabilities, environmental compliance liabilities, quantitative environmental liability assessment.

Regulatory Briefings
Regulatory Briefings are published periodically by Caltha to highlight new or proposed regulations on a wide range of environmental, health & safety topics. These briefings are generally 2- to 4-pages in length and provide an overview of the regulations and discuss potential impacts on the regulated community. Participants must sign up to receive an email link to new Regulatory Briefings as they are posted.

Caltha LLP provides expert environmental consultant services in Iowa to obtain environmental permits, evaluate regulatory requirements, and to develop cost effective compliance programs.

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

Phase I Site Assessment for Rural and Forest Tracts

In December 2008, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) issued a final rule amending the standards and practices for “All Appropriate Inquiries” under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (“CERCLA”) to allow the use of ASTM E 2247-08 “Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process for Forestland or Rural Property.” The rule applies to any entity conducting a site characterization or assessment on a large forested or rural property with a brownfields grant and will become effective on March 23, 2009. EPA also published a separate proposed rule proposing the same change to the All Appropriate Inquiries regulations.


Conducting environmental site assessments for large tracts of forested or rural lands presents a challenge to strict adherence to the ASTM Standard Method for Phase I environmental site assessments (ASTM E 1527-05). The final rule and the proposed change to the All Appropriate Inquiry requirements will benefit organizations purchasing large tracts of forested lands or large rural properties that may want to claim landowner liability protections as innocent landowners, bona fide prospective purchasers, or contiguous property owners.

[Read more about Landowner Liability Protections – LLPs]
[Read more about All Appropriate Inquiry under CERCLA]

For further information, contact Caltha LLP at:
Email: info@calthacompany.com
Website: http://www.calthacompany.com/

Iowa Environmental Consulting - EH&S Consultant Services

Caltha LLP provides expert technical consulting services to private and public sector clients across Iowa. For further information, clink on links below:

Iowa (IDNR) Air Permit Compliance – Air Emission Permitting Services
Iowa (IDNR) Stormwater Permit Compliance – Storm Water Permitting Services
Iowa (IDNR) Environmental Assessment– Phase I (Phase 1) ESA Services
Iowa Environmental Audit – Environmental Compliance Services
Iowa RCRA Compliance Services
Iowa Haz Com – Hazard Communication Compliance Services

For further information, contact Caltha LLP at:
Email: info@calthacompany.com
Website: http://www.calthacompany.com/

Phase I Environmental Assessment - Phase 1 ESA In Iowa

Caltha LLP provides expert Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESA) in Iowa to meet All Appropriate Inquiry requirements. Our environmental assessment services include:

• Phase I Environmental Assessment
• Phase II Environmental Assessment - Site Characterization
• Transaction Screening
• Small Business Administration (SBA) Environmental Review
• Environmental Due Diligence
• Property or Business Acquisition Review
• Environmental, Health & Safety Compliance Audits

To request a quote to conduct a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment or other assessments in Minnesota, Wisconsin or Iowa, go to: Caltha LLP Website


For further information, contact Caltha LLP at:
Email: info@calthacompany.com
Website: http://www.calthacompany.com/

Phase I Environmental Site Assessment vs Property Condition Assessment

In 2008 American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) published a standard practice for conducting Property Condition Assessment (PCA) at commercial properties, referenced as ASTM E2018 – 08. Some organizations have been left wondering if they should be requesting a Phase I environmental site assessment (ESA) or a PCA.

Although both standard practices are completed in conformance with an ASTM standard practice, the issues each practice is intended to address is very different.

In summary, a Phase I ESA conducted using ASTM E 1527-05 is intended to identify “Recognized Environmental Conditions” (or RECs) associated with a property. Recognized Environmental Conditions are defined as “the presence or likely presence of any hazardous substances or petroleum products on a property under conditions that indicate an existing release, a past release, or a material threat of a [future] release”. In short – a Phase I ESA addresses releases hazardous substances and petroleum products; it does not address other environmental issues which may be of interest, such as compliance with regulations and permits. It does not address the condition of equipment or structures, unless the equipment or structures are associated with hazardous substances or petroleum products, and that the condition contributed to a release or the threat of future release.

A Property Condition Assessment conducted using ASTM E 2018-08 is a different type of due diligence, pre-purchase, pre-lease, or post-lease inspection. The goal of the PCA is to identify and communicate physical deficiencies to a User. The term physical deficiencies means the presence of conspicuous defects or material deferred maintenance of a property's material systems, components, or equipment as observed during the field observer's walk-through survey. Although a PCA can report on potential environmental contaminants, this type of assessment does not have the same regulatory benefits of a Phase I ESA. Most importantly, a PCA does not constitute “all appropriate inquiry” that is required for CERCLA liability protections. Therefore, prospective purchasers of real estate that wish to retain their Landowner Liability Protections (LLP) under CERCLA need to conduct a Phase I ESA. They may decide to also conduct a PCA to access the property, structures and equipment for defects.

Caltha LLP conducts PCAs and Environmental Site Assessments on commercial and industrial properties across the Upper Midwest. To request a quote, go to Caltha website.

For further information, contact Caltha LLP at:
Email: info@calthacompany.com
Website: http://www.calthacompany.com/

Iowa Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) - Phase 1 ESA

To request a quote to conduct a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment in Minnesota, Wisconsin or Iowa, go to: Caltha LLP Website

Des Moines Phase I ESA
Iowa Phase I ESA
Des Moines Phase 1 ESA
Iowa Phase 1 ESA
Des Moines Phase one ESA
Iowa Phase one ESA
Environmental Site Assessment
Environmental review
Property Condition Assessment
Environmental due diligence

For further information, contact Caltha LLP at:
Email: info@calthacompany.com
Website: http://www.calthacompany.com/