EDR LIGHTBOX® hosted a webinar in early December about the proposed changes to the ASTM E 1527-13 standard. Titled A Preview of Potential Revisions to the ASTM E 1527 Standard for Phase I ESAs and moderated by Alan Agadoni (General Manager), this is the first of many efforts by EDR LIGHTBOX® to keep the industry up to date on this important revision process. For the webinar, the panelists included active Task Group members: Bill Tryon, Chief Strategy Officer at Partner Engineering & Science, Inc., and Dana Wagner, Director of Environmental Due Diligence at Terracon Consultants, Inc.
Here are some of the proposed changes to the ASTM E 1527 standard to be aware of:
- REC definition, HRECs, and examples- The Task Group is considering revisions to the REC definition to improve the consistency of conclusions. An expanded discussion and examples may also be added to the appendix.
- Shelf life of a Phase I ESA report- The Task Group is considering adding in additional language clarifying the 180-day shelf life of a Phase I ESA.
- The “Big 4” historical sources and adjoining properties- The Task group is considering adding expanded discussion around the use of fire insurance maps, city directories, aerial photographs, and historical topographic maps to research adjoining properties during a Phase I ESA.
- AULs/property use limitations- In this round of revisions, the Task Group is discussing language to clarify that it is a User responsibility to conduct the search for Activity and Use Limitations (AULs).
- PFAS/emerging contaminants- The Task Group recognizes the need for flexibility regarding emerging contaminants, such as PFAS, and proposes to incorporate language to account for differences in state approaches to PFAS regulation, and the possibility that PFAS could be designated as a hazardous substance under CERCLA.
How to prepare for the changes now
As the revised standard nears publication, now is a good time for environmental professionals to stay updated and aware of the potential changes now. We will be adding valuable information to our website as more clarity emerges on this round of revisions. This will help you prepare for ASTM E 1527-21 and make your due diligence staff aware of the changes as they take shape.
