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Phase I ASTM Standard and the EPA Final Rule

Phase I ASTM Standard and the EPA Final Rule

On December 15, 2022, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) issued the final rule that amended the All Appropriate Inquiries (AAI) Rule to reference ASTM E1527-21 Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site...

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COVID-19 and Phase I Limitations

COVID-19 and Phase I Limitations

COVID-19 has affected our world in so many ways, including how environmental assessments are completed. The Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) process, as described in the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) E 1527 Standard Practice for Phase I ESAs, involves the collection of historical, regulatory and property information from various sources that may include visits to state regulatory agencies, municipal offices, and/or libraries.

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SBA SOP Changes – Effective January 1, 2018

SBA SOP Changes – Effective January 1, 2018

Effective January 1, 2018, the Small Business Administration (SBA) updated the Standard Operating Procedures SOP 50 10 5 (J) for Lender and Development Loan Programs. In addition to changes incorporated in ERI’s Records Search with Risk Assessment (RSRA) and desktop...

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RSRAs and TSAs – The Similarities and Differences

RSRAs and TSAs – The Similarities and Differences

Depending on the potential risk profile of a commercial property, Environmental Risk Managers realize that a Phase I Environmental Assessment (ESA) may not be necessary for all commercial properties targeted for commercial loans.  In these cases, environmental risk...

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Dry Cleaning Alternatives – How “Green” is Green?

Dry Cleaning Alternatives – How “Green” is Green?

The use of chemical agents for cleaning clothes dates back to the 1690s, when turpentine was used to remove oil and grease spots from clothing.  In the 1800s, mechanical cleaning machines were introduced that used turpentine, camphor oil, kerosene naphtha or white...

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Considering Lending on a Dry Cleaner?

Considering Lending on a Dry Cleaner?

Perchloroethylene (PCE), a chlorinated solvent, has been used in the dry-cleaning industry since the 1930s. A small amount of this “likely human carcinogen” released to the subsurface can impact soil and groundwater, and migration of vapors associated with a release...

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SBA Gas Station Loans

SBA Gas Station Loans

In order to identify and mitigate the environmental risks associated with gas station loans, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has developed guidelines that loan applicants must follow during the application process. The SBA requires that the Environmental...

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