ASTM E2600 - 08
Standard Practice for Assessment of Vapor Intrusion into Structures on Property Involved in Real Estate Transactions.
In 2008, a new standard was developed for assessing the potential for vapor intrusion during routine Phase I Site Assessment activities. ASTM E2600 - 08 Standard Practice for Assessment of Vapor Intrusion into Structures on Property Involved in Real Estate Transactions, can be referenced at: http://www.astm.org/Standards/E2600.htm. The new standard is intended to supplement E1527 Standard Practice for Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESA’s), and adds vapor intrusion assessment to all Phase I Real Estate Transactions.
Many professionals in the environmental consulting industry have wondered whether or not this new standard would lead to a significant increase in vapor screening activities during environmental assessments involving property transactions. The same professionals have also questioned some of the terminology and language in this standard. Of special concern was the term VIC (vapor intrusion condition) as it was defined in the standard.
To further clarify and make more relevant some of these concerns, a revision to ASTM E2600-08 standard is currently in the works. A draft form of this can be viewed at http://www.astm.org/DATABASE.CART/WORKITEMS/WK23740.htm
Depending on the review process, the revision could be finalized in early 2010.
New changes made by The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) may also make this E2600 standard more relevant.
Recently, within HUD, the Office of Multifamily Housing has adopted Tier 1 vapor intrusion (VI) screens (the first of four tiers) under ASTM E 2600 as a mandatory component of Phase I environmental site assessments conducted under the agency’s MAP (Multifamily Accelerated Processing) Guide. MAP is the procedure used by hundreds of MAP-approved lenders and HUD field offices throughout the country to process loan applications for Federal Housing Administration multifamily mortgage insurance.
Under the revised policy, “The Phase I ESA must include an initial vapor (a.k.a. gas) intrusion screen to determine if there is a potential for vapors to occur in the subsurface below existing and/or proposed on-site structures from hazardous substances, petroleum, and petroleum products that consist of VOCs, SVOCs or inorganic volatile compounds.”
Recently, within HUD, the Office of Multifamily Housing has adopted Tier 1 vapor intrusion (VI) screens (the first of four tiers) under ASTM E 2600 as a mandatory component of Phase I environmental site assessments conducted under the agency’s MAP (Multifamily Accelerated Processing) Guide. MAP is the procedure used by hundreds of MAP-approved lenders and HUD field offices throughout the country to process loan applications for Federal Housing Administration multifamily mortgage insurance.
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Under the revised policy, “The Phase I ESA must include an initial vapor (a.k.a. gas) intrusion screen to determine if there is a potential for vapors to occur in the subsurface below existing and/or proposed on-site structures from hazardous substances, petroleum, and petroleum products that consist of VOCs, SVOCs or inorganic volatile compounds.”
The Air Laboratory at Pace Analytical has extensive experience in the application of USEPA methodologies and approved sampling media for vapor intrusion sampling assessments. The technical staff of the Pace Air Lab can assist with:
• Knowledge of laboratory capabilities and method limitations.
• Guidance on sampling strategies and media options.
• Interpretation of Federal / State Guidance and Regulatory Initiative.
• Hands-on or on-site training of local consultants/engineers.
For additional questions, Daryl Peterson, Pace’s Air Technical Director, can be reached at 612-607-6321 or via email at: daryl.peterson@pacelabs.com
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