ASSESSMENT

An Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is a report prepared for a real estate holding which identifies potential or existing environmental contamination liabilities. The ESA typically addresses both the underlying land as well as physical improvements to the property. Actual sampling of soil, air, groundwater and/or building materials is typically not conducted during a Phase I ESA. The Phase I ESA is generally considered the first step in the process of environmental due diligence.

The Phase I ESA is the cornerstone of any reputable environmental consulting firm. It is the first step of any environmental project. A comprehensive Phase I ESA, not only provides a trustworthy foundation, but also guarantees a more accurate estimation towards remediation and/or closure.

At Cider Environmental, we complete over 100 Phase I ESAs per year. Our reports not only confirm to all ASTM (E1527-13) standards, but go well beyond the standard. We take pride in including every available resource to make your report as comprehensive and complete as possible at no extra charge. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of cooperation with our client. We take our Phase I ESA as a journey or revelation. On the journey, we work hand-in-hand with you to address any environmental concerns you might have towards the target property.

The primary objectives of conducting a Phase II ESA are to evaluate the recognized environmental conditions identified in the Phase I ESA or transaction screen process for the purpose of providing sufficient information regarding the nature and extent of contamination to assist in making informed business decisions about the property; and where applicable, providing the level of knowledge necessary to satisfy the innocent purchaser defense under CERCLA.

At Cider Environmental, we have the expertise and technical know-how to plainly and simply explain any potential issue as well as the options you have.

At a time when the market is flooded with so-called “Phase II ESAs” that consist no more than a shear tabulation of laboratory data, our unparalleled Phase II ESAs differentiate Cider Environmental from other environmental firms. Our Phase II ESA features real Evaluation or Analysis that leads to straightforward answers. In cases where remedial activities are warranted, remedial options together with a budget estimation as well as a remedial timeline will be included

The goal of Spill/Subsurface Investigation (SI) is to locate the potential sources and to delineate the spatial extent of known contamination in the soil and/or groundwater. The SI requires expertise in many aspects, from site geology to field operations, from data analysis to hydrogeology interpretation. Unfortunately, the current market is flooded with unqualified reports featuring ungrounded statements accompanied by ignorance of basic geology or site conditions. Our Spill/Subsurface Investigation stands out as another example of Cider Environmental’s exceptional service.

All Spill/Subsurface Investigations prepared by Cider Environmental share some features in common: Work plans are based on in-depth understanding of subsurface geology and site conditions; field work is performed by experienced environmental professionals; laboratory results are analyzed by computer software and data processing experts; and investigation results are accompanied by realistic remedial budgets and timeline. In short, the scope and quality of our Spill/Subsurface Investigations are unparalleled in the industry.

Vapor intrusion is the migration of volatile and/or semi-volatile chemicals from the subsurface soil/groundwater into overlying buildings. Since late 1990s, vapor intrusion has become a significant environmental issue, especially in places like Long Island, New York, where a combination of shallow groundwater with sandy and porous soil paves a perfect pathway for vapor intrusion. Degradation of indoor air quality can cause chronic health problems for occupants. Furthermore, the fear and anxiety of vapor intrusion can potentially lead to the depreciation of property values.

Cider Environmental is one of the pioneers in incorporating vapor intrusion assessment into Phase I/II ESAs. Our Phase I vapor intrusion assessment (VIA) consists of: 1) analysis of local subsurface hydrogeology data; and 2) evaluation of structure integrity. Our Phase II VIA consists of indoor air sampling, sub-slab air sampling, and background air sampling. Additional subsurface soil and/or groundwater sampling or soil-gas sampling will be recommended if deemed necessary. We provide qualitative assessment on existing and/or potential risk of vapor intrusion. Upon request, quantitative Exposure Assessment will be provided using USEPA developed models.

Computer models of groundwater flow systems are frequently utilized in the environmental industry to simulate and predict the fate-and-transport of groundwater contamination. Convenient and presentable as these systems are, groundwater modeling can be oversimplified and extremely deceiving.

At Cider Environmental, we are aware of this kind of temptation for error. We understand that the accuracy of the model output solely depends on the accuracy of the input data and parameters, thus we make every effort to ensure the highest accuracy feasible of model input. Standard procedures are strictly implemented for parameter determination and throughout the modeling process. This is precisely why our groundwater modeling results will withstand any scrutiny from either regulatory agencies or our peer environmental firms.

Statistical sampling is the method to obtain estimates of the desired properties (i.e., concentrations of contamination) of the population being investigated (site, or “hot spot”) as accurately and as precisely as possible, and at the lowest cost possible. Because of the limited resources (cost, equipment, and time) and the wish to obtain representative samples, sampling schemes are designed to minimize sampling error for a given cost, or alternatively to minimize costs for a given allowable sampling error.

Statistical sampling is an important tool in site investigation. However, due to its complexity, its merit is often undervalued by the environmental industry. At Cider Environmental, we utilize advanced tools like Visual Sampling Plan (VSP) and ProUCL, both developed by the USEPA, to perform statistical sampling design and results analysis. Whenever appropriate, statistical sampling design will be performed so that our client can save considerable money on the sampling, which can account for up to 50% of the total remedial cost.

Many environmental firms view Exposure and Risk Assessment as a key tool to negotiate with the regulatory agencies, because a “safe level” of 50 ppb versus 5 ppb could mean a significant difference in remedial cost and the cleanup timeline.

At Cider Environmental, we consider the Exposure and Risk Assessment as a negotiation tool with regulatory agencies. Meanwhile, we also emphasize the science and engineering behind this assessment. Is it really clean? If not, what’s the risk? What if natural attenuation doesn’t work? Our comprehensive understanding of science and engineering enables us to make realistic assessments, and if required, provide a risk free exit strategy from the remedial programs.