Phase I Environmental Site Assessments: All proposed sites selected for a potential Phase I ESA will submit a property eligibility form to EPA for approval prior to initiation. Upon EPA approval, an access agreement may be required if the property is privately owned. Firms retained to conduct Phase I Environmental Site Assessments will do so in accordance with the most current All Appropriate Inquiry (AAI) standards and ASTM 1527-21 (or most current). Every Phase I ESA conducted with EPA Brownfields Assessment Grant funds must be conducted in compliance with the AAI Final Rule at 40 CFR Part 312. The AAI Final Rule provides that ASTM International Standard E1527-21 (“Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process”) and E2247-16 (“Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process for Forestland or Rural Property”) are consistent with the requirements of the final rule and can be used to satisfy the statutory requirements for conducting AAI. Additionally, the Phase I assessment shall include an accurate geographic location of the site (per US EPA latitude/longitude data standards), tax map parcel identifiers, and zip codes. The team will submit the draft Phase I report to NVCOG for review prior to finalization. The ASTM Phase I AAI compliant report may not meet the requirements of CT DEEP and additional activities may be required for compliance. Reports will be submitted in hard and/or digital copies, as specified by NVCOG. Phase II Site Investigations: Teams retained to conduct Phase II site investigations will do so in accordance with applicable federal and state guidelines. As part of the Phase II process and prior to initiation of any Phase II activities, QEPs/LEP firms will need to evaluate Section 106 compliance, Historic Preservation. Coordination with EPA will be required. Phase II work may include but is not limited to: Ø Prepare and submit Site-Specific Quality Assurance Project Plan (SSQAPP) specific to the site or with site specific addendum to EPA funded projects Ø Obtain all required permits, clearances, and authorizations for site investigation activities Ø Conduct appropriate environmental assessment activities consistent with the approved SSQAPP including but not limited to geophysical surveys, soil and sediment testing, surface water and groundwater testing, air quality testing, etc. Ø Identify and recommend remediation strategies and/or additional assessment necessary; provide assessment and/or cleanup cost estimates Ø Submit draft Phase II reports for review Ø Address comments; finalize and distribute Phase II reports as specified by NVCOG Ø Reports will include an estimated cost for remediation Ø Reports will be responsive to all CT DEEP site characterization requirements
