Environmental Site Assessments
"I would like to express my appreciation to CES for the fine help you provided to us, and the exceptional efforts of your entire crew.”  
- P. James Dowe Jr., President & CEO, Bangor Savings Bank

Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), as amended by the 1986 Superfund Amendments, an owner or an operator of a contaminated property may be liable for the entire cost of the cleanup of contaminated property, even though someone else caused the pollution, and regardless of how much more severe the problem has become in the ensuing time period. This can even include migration of contamination from adjoining properties. Lending institutions can also be held liable under CERCLA.

A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment constitutes appropriate inquiry under CERLCA’s innocent landowner defense. It is designed to identify recognized environmental conditions in connection with a property, and can show that the prospective buyer or the lender did not contribute to the pollution problem and that they conducted a thorough investigation that did not disclose a problem. Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (conducted in accordance with the American Society for Testing and Materials - ASTM E 1527-00 Standard) consist of an historical record review and information gathering process, a site visit, and preparation of a written report. Research includes Federal and State environmental databases, deeds, information obtained from the tax assessor, the code enforcement officer, Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps, geological and hydrogeological maps, wetlands maps, and flood insurance maps.
Phase II Environmental Site Assessments are conducted when a hazard exists on the property, or when the further testing is recommended after conducting a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment. Testing and sampling can include, but is not limited to, soil gas analysis, bulk soil sampling, groundwater sampling, and surface water sampling. CES' Geoprobe^® can be very useful in obtaining these samples. If no hazardous materials or wastes are found, verification should be provided and a written report is prepared. These services are conducted under the ASTM Standard E 1903-97.

Remediation may be required if Phase II services identify hazards that need to be removed, encapsulated or enclosed.  CES has also been pre-qualified by DEP to perform remediation and monitoring of petroleum-contaminated sites.

We also assist clients in obtaining liability protections provided by the State's Voluntary Response Action Program (VRAP).

We take pride in delivering quality services in a timely fashion. Our employees are members of the Environmental Assessment Association, and are either Certified Environmental Inspectors or Certified Environmental Specialists. To date, we have conducted over 400 environmental assessments. We would be pleased to assist you with your environmental assessment. For more information please contact us.