A new version of ASTM E1527 standard for Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessments is expected to be completed this year.
The new standard would affect about 250,000 commercial real estate deals a year. One of the proposed changes could be interpreted to require the same level of historical research of adjoining properties as is done for the subject property. The assessment, in such a case, would require additional historical research to fill in data gaps for certain adjoining properties, which could increase the scope and cost of some reports and potentially delay transactions.
Other proposed changes add PFAS and other emerging contaminants to the list of “non-scope issues,” raising awareness of the issue that some may want to evaluate as is commonly done with asbestos and mold. The draft new standard aims to call more attention to significant data gaps, a substantial piece of information that wasn’t feasible to obtain given time or budget constraints.
Data gaps would be assessed as to whether they materially affect the environmental professional’s ability to identify Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs). The ASTM committee will continue to discuss, refine, and vote on proposed changes and has a goal of releasing the new standard by the end of the year.
Related Stories
| May 1, 2013
New commercial landlord disclosures go into effect in California in July
Two new landlord disclosure requirements become effective in California on July 1, 2013.
| May 1, 2013
New ASHRAE residential indoor air quality standard adds carbon monoxide alarm requirement
The new 2013 version of ASHRAE’s residential indoor air quality standard adds a requirement for carbon monoxide alarms.
| May 1, 2013
AAMA publishes standard for multipoint locking hardware for side-hinged doors
The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) recently published the first North America standard for multipoint locking hardware for side-hinged door systems.
| Apr 24, 2013
‘W visa’ program could hamper construction industry's growth
The Senate’s bipartisan immigration reform proposal will provide interim legal status to some 11 million undocumented people.
| Apr 24, 2013
North Carolina bill would ban green rating systems that put state lumber industry at disadvantage
North Carolina lawmakers have introduced state legislation that would restrict the use of national green building rating programs, including LEED, on public projects.
| Apr 24, 2013
BOMA’s 360 Performance Program approaches 600 building designees
The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International conferred the BOMA 360 Performance Program® designation upon 44 properties in major commercial real estate markets across the U.S. in the first quarter of 2013.
| Apr 24, 2013
New Mexico court strikes down move to repeal energy codes
The New Mexico State Court of Appeals struck down an attempt to repeal energy-efficient building codes.
| Apr 24, 2013
Los Angeles may add cool roofs to its building code
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa wants cool roofs added to the city’s building code. He is also asking the Department of Water and Power (LADWP) to create incentives that make it financially attractive for homeowners to install cool roofs.
| Apr 17, 2013
Army's FY 2014 $130 billion budget includes $2.3 billion for construction
The U.S. Army submitted a $129.7 billion budget for fiscal year 2014, $2.3 billion of which is allocated for military construction, army family housing, and base realignment and closure.
| Apr 17, 2013
Leonardo Academy to develop sustainability master plan standard
Leonardo Academy launched the development of a standard for sustainability master plans using the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) process to define sustainability goals and achievements for regions, states and campuses.
