What's New in ASTM E1527-21?
The ASTM E1527-13 was phased out after February 13, 2024, and was updated to the new ASTM E1527-21 Standard. This update introduces key changes to improve Phase I Environmental Site Assessments' clarity, consistency, and comprehensiveness (ESAs). Here’s a brief overview of the most important updates:
Clarifications and Updates
- Definitions: Improved definitions for Recognized Environmental Condition (REC), Controlled Recognized Environmental Condition (CREC), and Historical Recognized Environmental Condition (HREC).
- Significant Data Gap: Clear guidance on identifying and addressing significant data gaps.
Historical Research
- Scope: Historical research must now trace back to the property’s first developed use or to 1940, whichever is earlier.
- Sources: Expanded list of standard historical sources, including aerial photographs, city directories, fire insurance maps, and topographic maps.
Report Requirements
- Summary of Findings: Mandatory inclusion of a summary of findings that outlines the presence of RECs, CRECs, and HRECs.
- User Responsibilities: Enhanced focus on the user’s responsibility to provide relevant information for the assessment.
Emerging Contaminants
- Considerations: New guidelines for considering emerging contaminants like PFAS, particularly where they are required by state or local laws.
Updated Appendices
- Guidance: Updated and expanded appendices offering detailed guidance on specific property types and scenarios.
Legal and Regulatory Changes
- Compliance: Adjustments reflecting current legal and regulatory frameworks to ensure continued compliance.
Miscellaneous Changes
- Professional Judgment: Emphasis on the role of Environmental Professional (EP) judgment in data interpretation and conclusions.
- Quality Control: New instructions to ensure consistency and quality control throughout the Phase I ESA process.
What This Means for You
Staying updated with the latest standards is crucial for ensuring that your environmental assessments are thorough, accurate, and compliant with current regulations. Our team at SSCI Environmental is fully equipped to incorporate these changes into our assessment processes, providing you with the highest level of service and reliability.
If you have any questions about how these updates might affect your projects, need assistance with your Phase I ESA, or if you need more information, please check out our service page Assessments-Remediation.
Thank you for your continued trust in SSCI Environmental. We look forward to supporting your environmental assessment needs with these new standards in place.