Environmental Assessment
Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (E1):
BCI can provide the following Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) services in accordance with All Appropriate Inquiries rule within 40 CFR Part 312 and ASTM E 1527-21 guidelines:
An investigation of the facility including:
A visit to the subject property and any building(s) making arrangements with the borrower or property manager for access to secure areas to identify recognized environmental conditions that may be present at the subject property.
Conduct interviews to obtain relevant information from people knowledgeable about the subject property and surrounding area (property owners, previous owners, subject property managers, tenants, government officials, and neighbors, if necessary).
A review of specified standard environmental sources for federal, state, tribal, and local environmental regulatory data in regards to the presence of hazardous materials and activity and use limitations (AULs) at or in the vicinity of the subject property. The ASTM standard stipulates minimum search distances for the various records.
A historical review of other published and readily available resources dating back to either 1940 or the property’s first obvious developed use, whichever is earlier. These documents typically include aerial photographs, topographic maps, fire insurance maps, real estate atlases or city directories, property tax files, land title or deed records, building department records and permits, and zoning and/or land use records. Additional research required for a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment is not included.
A review of physical setting sources to get information about the geologic, hydrogeologic, hydrologic, and topographic characteristics of a subject property.
Additional information or specialized knowledge to assist in the performance of our services, if available:
A plat showing subject property boundaries and existing and previous topography. Setting of property corner stakes may be necessary in certain instances.
Chain of title for the subject property back to at least 1940 or such a date as required.
Available aerial photographs, old maps, and information concerning prior usage, or usage of adjacent and abutting sites.
The location, type, and approximate size or quantity of known hazardous substances or underground tanks on the subject property.
Any other data that would assist in our services, including but not limited to, geotechnical and environmental reports, toxic spill records, water quality data from on-site or adjacent ponds, streams, rivers, or wells, and similar data.
Right of entry and access to adjacent and abutting properties where available.
Drafts of letters and/or statements that may be required by lender(s).
Unless specified, surveying for line and grade, cost and quantity estimates, chemical laboratory testing, review of design and contract documents or professional services no specifically noted are not included in this contract.
An initial verbal report to you summarizing the overall impressions of the subject property within 24 hours of the site visit and a written report.
Transaction Screen Process (ET):
BCI can provide the following Transaction Screen Process services in accordance with ASTM E1528-22 guidelines:
An investigation of the facility including:
- A site visit to the site and/or building(s) making arrangements with the borrower or property manager for access to secure areas to identify potential environmental concerns that may be present at the site.
- Conduct interviews to obtain relevant information from people knowledgeable about the site and surrounding area (property owners, site managers, tenants or other occupants of the property).
- Completion of ASTM E1528-22 Transaction Screen Questionnaire.
- A limited review of Federal and State regulatory records (National Priorities List and the State equivalent list, CERCLIS and the State equivalent list, RCRA CORRACTS, RCRA non-CORRACTS TSD facilities list, Leaking Underground Storage Tank list, and Solid Waste/Landfill facilities).
- A limited historical review of other published and readily available resources including, topography and fire insurance maps.
Additional information to be provided to assist in the performance of our services, if available:
- A plat showing site boundaries and existing and previous Setting of property corner stakes may be necessary in certain instances, and
- The location, type, and approximate size or quantity of known hazardous substances, and/or underground tanks on the subject site,
- Any other data that would assist in our services, including but not limited to, geotechnical and environmental reports, toxic spill reports, water quality data from on-site or adjacent ponds, streams, rivers, or wells, and similar data,
- Right of entry and access to adjacent and abutting properties where obtainable, and
- Drafts of letters and/or statements that may be required by lender(s).
Unless specifically stated, surveying for line and grade, cost and quantity estimates, chemical laboratory testing, review of design and contract documents, or professional services not specifically noted are not included in this contract.
Provide an initial verbal report to you summarizing the overall impressions of the facility within 24 hours of the site visit and provide a written report to you.
Additional Phase II Environmental Site Assessment services (ESA):
Phase II Asbestos Survey
BCI can provide the following Phase II Asbestos Survey services:
We will perform a survey of accessible interior portions of the existing structure to confirm the presence of asbestos containing materials (ACMs) and to estimate the quantity of ACMs that will require abatement.
We will collect bulk samples of suspected material to satisfy the requirements established under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) 40 CFR, Part 763, Subpart E and the National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) 40 CFR Part 61, Subpart M. The samples may be obtained in a manner that would involve the destruction of walls, building elements, physical barriers, or the structural integrity of the item being sampled. No patching or repair of walls, floors or building elements will be included in this survey.
We will prepare a written findings report to summarize the number of bulk asbestos samples collected, to document the sampling locations and laboratory test results, and estimate the quantity of ACMs to be abated.
Phase II Lead-Based Paint
BCI can provide the following Phase II Lead-based Paint Inspection services:
We can perform a surface by surface destructive investigation (paint chip sampling) or non-destructive investigation of painted surfaces using a portable X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF*) analyzer to determine the presence of lead-based paint on the interior and exterior of the building according to U.S. Housing and Development (HUD) “Guidelines for the Evaluation and Control of Lead-Based Hazards in Housing,” Chapter 7 of 1997 and state guidelines. According to Code of Maryland Regulations 26.16.01.02, a lead-containing substance means any paint, plaster, or other surface encapsulation material containing more than 0.50 percent lead by weight calculated as lead metal in the dried solid, or more than 0.7 milligram per square centimeter (mg/cm2). According to State of Virginia Statute Title 54.1, Chapter 5 guidelines, lead-based paint is defined as any coating, paint, plaster, or surface encapsulation material containing more than 0.5% lead by weight of dry film or more than one milligram of lead per square centimeter of dry film by XRF. According to District of Columbia Law 11-221 “Lead-Based Paint Abatement and Control Act of 1996”, lead-based paint means any paint or other surface coating containing lead or lead in its compounds in any quantity exceeding 0.5% of the total weight of the material or more than one mg/cm2 or in any quantity sufficient to constitute a health or environmental hazard.
We will prepare a written findings report to summarize the number of samples collected, the sampling locations, the XRF* readings or paint chip sample results of the concentration of lead in the painted surfaces, and the paint condition.
*BCI subcontracts all XRF services to certified and licensed consultants.
Phase II Lead-In-Water Sampling
BCI can perform first and second draw Lead-In-Water (LIW) sampling in accordance with MDE guidelines and to meet client requirements. LIW samples are analyzed by Maryland Spectral Services Inc. which is a TNI 2016 Standard accredited laboratory.
The EPA/HUD Action Level standard for samples from the tap is 20 ug/L (parts per billion). However, the State of Maryland has established an at tap Action Level at 15 ug/L or below.
We will prepare a written findings report to summarize the number of samples collected, the sampling locations, and the sample results.
*BCI subcontracts LIW services to certified and licensed consultants.
Phase II Radon Testing
BCI can perform radon testing according to American National Standards Institute – American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists Protocol for Conducting Radon and Radon Decay Product Measurements in Multifamily Buildings (ANSI-AARST MAMF-2017 with 1/2021 revisions), HUD’s requirements, and/or client specific testing requirements. Additionally, BCI can perform radon testing in single family residences and large buildings in accordance with AARST standards. BCI utilizes AirChek Pro activated charcoal testing kits which are AARST-NRPP approved devices. AirChek is a National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) and National Radon Safety Board (NRSB) certified laboratory.
There are currently no Maryland state mandates for licensure or certification. However, the Maryland Department of the Environment provides references for NRSB or NRPP Certified Radon Service Professionals. BCI maintains NRPP Certified Radon Testing professional certifications. Additional radon information can be obtained from the EPA (epa.gov/radon). The EPA provides guidance documents and pamphlets regarding commonly asked radon questions for home buyers, sellers, and new construction projects. According to EPA estimates, radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer overall. The EPA recommends radon mitigation if radon concentrations are 4.0 pCi/L or above and indicates you should consider radon mitigation systems if the radon concentration is between 2-4 pCi/L. According to the EPA, approximately 4 people/1,000 people will get lung cancer from radon when exposed to 2.0 pCi/L over a lifetime. This number increases to 32 people/1,000 people if the person exposed smoked. As Indicated by ANSI – AARST, the World Health Organization recommends limiting long-term exposures to less than 2.7 pCi/L. Even low levels of radon are a risk.