VAPOR INTRUSION

Business Challenge

As we learn more about the potential effects of environmental impacts, one of the more recent concerns is the potential for vapor intrusion – the migration of volatile chemicals from contaminated soil or groundwater into a building or structure at concentrations that could be harmful to occupants.

An ASTM Vapor Intrusion Standard (Standard Practice for Assessment of Vapor Intrusion into Structures on Property Involved in Real Estate Transactions [E-2600-08]) currently exists.  The Standard is not a comprehensive vapor intrusion assesment standard, but rather it is designed to screen out properties that may result in a potential vapor intrusion condition (pVIC).  There has been some confusion in the marketplace regarding this Standard, as it is not automatically part of an ASTM Phase I (ASTM E 1527-05) and must be requested by the client as a non-scope issue.  This issue has gained increased regulatory attention and many states have developed vapor intrusion guidelines.  Many lenders have also updated their due diligence requirements to specifically include an evaluation of potential vapor intrusion as part of the  Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) process.  Concerns about potential vapor intrusion create new liabilities.  For example, in many states, properties that have “No Further Action” letters for historic contamination are getting a second look, with possibly a case reopening because the vapor intrusion pathway was not previously evaluated.  Various notification requirements are also being developed and it is expected that regulatory requirements will only increase.

 

Solution

Are all vapor intrusion assessments the same?

No.  There are many different levels of assessment, depending on the nature of the project, the information desired, the level of certainty desired, the regulatory climate, and/or the type of transaction occurring.   Assessments can range from relatively simple screenings performed as part of a Phase I ESA using the Tier 1 approach as described in ASTM E-2600-08, to more detailed investigations and modeling using state or EPA guidelines.

Bureau Veritas has performed hundreds of vapor intrusion assessments. We understand what is required to complete each job efficiently and recognize the need for decision makers to receive concise and accurate information in a timely manner.

What do your Vapor Intrusion Services include?

Our Vapor Intrusion services include:

-- Initial site screening

-- Pathway and source evaluation

-- Soil vapor sampling

-- Site-specific modeling and risk evaluation

-- Indoor air testing

-- Risk assessment

-- Risk communications

-- Mitigation

-- Litigation support      

Why Choose Bureau Veritas?

Experience

As a firm, Bureau Veritas performs well over 3,000 high quality due diligence projects per year for a variety of clients, ranging from local developers to large institutional investors. Individual projects range from single assets to portfolios that contain more than 200 sites.

Technical Expertise

Our experienced staff of engineers, geologists, industrial hygienists, chemists, and field personnel – located in major metropolitan areas across the nation – offer extensive capabilities in the areas of health and safety, environmental management, remediation, testing, and analysis.

Network

With more than 2,400 quality assurance, health, safety, and environmental professionals in over 60 offices across the nation, Bureau Veritas develops solutions that contribute to risk prevention and performance improvement to help organizations create long-term value through our technical and regulatory expertise.

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FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

• Is a vapor intrusion screen a routine part of a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment?

  No.  The basic Phase I scope (ASTM E 1527-05) does not include vapor intrusion.  However, vapor intrusion can easily be added to the Phase I scope by the client to meet risk objectives.

• My site has a No Further Action (NFA) letter from an agency – should I still worry about vapor intrusion?

  Yes. Many existing NFA letters only addressed risks from soil and/or groundwater contamination – not the vapor intrusion pathway.  Many regulatory agencies are now reopening NFA cases to look specifically at potential vapor intrusion concerns.  Many property owners are also evaluating the vapor intrusion pathway to verify that unknown conditions do not exist.