Environmental Engineering Services

Environmental Engineering Services is a critical part of any prospective property owner or buyer prior to the purchase of vacant land, commercial property or industrial property. The goal of the process is to allow you, the real estate purchaser, to make an educated business decision by providing you with the information of the past and present activities that took place on and around that piece of property. The Environmental Site Assessment is to determine the possibility of a recognized environmental condition or contamination on the property, its potential impact and your potential liability.

Many times a Phase I and/or Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESA) are conducted as part of property transfers. The Illinois Responsible Property Transfer Act of 1988 (IRPTA), requires written disclosure of pre-existing environmental conditions for commercial and real estate transactions in the State of Illinois.

United Analytical Services, Inc. (UAS) has been performing environmental consulting services since 1988 on properties ranging from vacant land, to multi-family housing, to commercial and industrial properties. We have conducted hundreds of site assessments including historical study, appropriate inquiry, site assessment, sample readings and final reporting. All projects are conducted in a timely manner in accordance with the American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) Site Assessment Standard Practice (currently E1527-13).

Our in-house talent of qualified professionals consists of experienced engineers and environmental scientists, all with years of experience, working on Phase I and Phase II environmental site assessments, as well as environmental compliance audits, by applying their extensive knowledge of Federal, State and Local regulations.

Phase I of the Environmental Site Assessment

The environmental site assessment, Phase I is for the use of real estate purchasers needing to understand the history of a particular commercial, industrial or multi-family property. We begin the process with an overall visual inspection in order to identify potential environmental issues such as soil stains, illegal disposal practices, underground storage tanks, above ground storage tanks, wetlands, building materials that contain asbestos, lead based paint, drinking water, radon and PCBs in electrical equipment. We will also inspect the surrounding properties to identify potential off-site sources of environmental contaminants.

The next step is to query property owners, managers and key facility personnel as well as review historical documentation including aerial photographs, deeds, records of use of the site and surrounding areas, regulatory compliance documentation for the site and surrounding areas, historic city directories, business directories, local geology, hydrology and water usage. The final report documents our findings and summarizes the environmental conditions, following ASTM Standard Practice. We’ll also discuss any further testing necessary to address potential concerns.

Phase II Environmental Site Assessment

A Phase II subsurface investigation involves specific testing based on the results of the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment. Its purpose is to confirm or deny the presence of hazardous materials on the property or from the surrounding areas. Phase II may involve the collection of soil and/or groundwater samples, asbestos inspection and testing and lead based paint inspection and testing to name a few. Once samples are collected and tested, potential recognized environmental conditions associated with the property will be identified and reported.

When the on-site investigation is complete, and the laboratory results have produced the findings, a report is prepared detailing the results. The report will include sample locations, laboratory analysis and conclusions as well as recommendations for any additional work, if necessary.

If additional work is needed for the removal of any identified hazards, United Analytical Services can assist with the development of a design document for the proper containment, removal and disposal of targeted materials. If the removal is related to soil or groundwater contamination, the United Analytical Services’ Inc. engineers can submit the appropriate documentation to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) for the purpose of reimbursement under Title XVI Rules and Regulations, or obtain a ‘No Further Action’ letter from the IEPA for the site under Title XVII Rules and Regulations.

Contact us today to identify possible contaminants prior to purchasing vacant land, commercial property or an industrial property.