PHASE I: AA&E personnel have grown with the evolution of Phase I practices since 1985. Our chief concern is the potential environmental liability, as defined by the regulatory statutes, associated with real property. We look at each job as if AA&E were the potential purchaser, and strive to effectively communicate the relative risk of environmental conditions identified at site. AA&E’s assessment staff is trained by ASTM; and our assessments comply with the ASTM standards in addition to addressing business risk issues such as asbestos, lead, wetlands, hydrogeology and bedrock characteristics. Personnel at AA&E have performed literally hundreds of Phase I assessments since 1985, and continue to build on our experience. Read about some of AA&E’s Phase I projects.

PHASE II: AA&E conducts efficient and targeted Phase II assessments using our professional geophysical/hydrogeologic capabilities, accredited in-house laboratory, and licensed sampling capabilities. Our synergistic approach is often useful for fast-tracking the transfer of challenging properties. We are experienced in the science of site characterization (defining the extent of the problem), and knowledgeable of the regulatory requirements. This allows AA&E to offer concise and practical assessment and remedial recommendations. Read about some of AA&E’s Phase II projects.

LAND RECYCLING CASE STUDIES: The Land Recycling and Environmental Remediation Standards Act (Act 2) was introduced in 1995 by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) to establish uniform standards for the evaluation and remediation of real estate. The Act 2 initiative is known nation-wide as a Brownfields program that produces results. Purchasers, owners, and financial institutions look to Act 2 for closure when Phase II investigations uncover serious environmental concerns. As a result, AA&E has been given the opportunity to apply Act 2 to many sites, and has proudly restored the usefulness of numerous, otherwise tarnished, properties. Read about some of AA&E’s Act 2 projects.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: Environmental impact can cover a broad range of topics; all associated with possible anthropogenic effects on the natural system. AA&E’s experience in this arena is focused on the investigation of hydrogeologic and bedrock systems to guide in the development of highways, residential/commercial projects, and water supply or wastewater disposal projects. Impact studies often cover relatively large areas and address impacts from groundwater withdrawal, on-site disposal systems, changing runoff patterns, and the application of chemicals to the land.

The increased coverage provided by geophysical methods makes it a useful addition to the set of tools utilized during impact assessment, particularly in the characterization of site-specific hydrogeology. There is no substitute for data when concrete recommendations regarding site development are considered essential. Geophysics can assist in defining bedrock issues such a rippability, depth, and sinkhole potential; spotting locations for high-yield water wells, predicting the long term impact of on-lot disposal systems on the underlying aquifer, and well placement to avoid contaminated aquifer zone. The site-specific knowledge provided by the application of geophysics to environmental solutions is most meaningful when combined with a sound understanding of the local geology and hydrogeoloogy. Read about some of AA&E’s Environmental Impact Projects.

REMEDIATION: Remediation is conducted to resolve environmental issues identified during the assessment process, encountered as part of underground storage tank (UST) removal, or during development activities. Remediation, or mitigation, may be necessary to address hazardous waste issues, during claims management, as part of an UST closure, as part of the Act 2 process, or because of Phase II activities. Adequate chemical and site characterization is prerequisite in all cases to assure that implemented remedial plans sufficiently address the defined objective.

Remedial methods can be as diverse as the imagination, or as simple as the capabilities of the company implementing the process. Somewhere in between is often the best solution, and this somewhere is decided by the specific physical, time, regulatory, and economic constraints associated with a particular project.

AA&E has successfully applied a range of remedial approaches to attain project closure. We are not invested in a particular technology, and have the field, technical, and management expertise to get the right mix of contractors on the job to solve your problem in the most efficient manner possible. Read about some of AA&E’s Remedial Projects.