Changes Coming to Phase I Environmental Site Assessments in Puerto Rico

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - Dec. 15, 2014 - PRLog -- This past fall, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a final rule with changes to site assessment standards that will go into effect October 6^th, 2015.  The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard E1527-05 will be replaced with ASTM E1527-13.

People potentially affected by this action are those who perform all appropriate inquiries, including public and private entities who intend to claim protection from CERCLA liability as bona fide prospective purchasers, contiguous property owners or innocent landowners.

The updated standard requires an assessment of the potential for vapor releases which could cause vapor intrusion and impact the indoor air quality (IAQ) of any structure built on the property.  If a Phase I ESA report identifies a vapor intrusion risk, it could cause the transaction to be delayed and result in additional costs.  These costs could include vapor intrusion testing services and ventilation systems expenses to mitigate any risks.

One of the leading Phase I ESA providers in Puerto Rico and across the Caribbean is Zimmetry Environmental.  “We have been monitoring the upcoming changes that go into effect later next year to ensure that our Phase I ESA customers will have everything they need,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental.  “As vapor intrusion experts, our staff is well versed in this area and we are positioned to help with any issues that could develop using the new ASTM standard. Our Phase I ESAs will continues to provide the peace of mind our customers depend upon through practical business advice on environmental liability issues.”

To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and Phase IESAs or other environmental, compliance and indoor air quality consulting services, please visit www.zimmetry.com, call (787) 995.0005 or email info@zimmetry.com.

About Zimmetry Environmental

Since 2002, Zimmetry Environmental has been providing environmental consulting services to building owners and managers, architects, engineers, EHS professionals and Fortune 500 companies.  The company is based in Puerto Rico and provides services across the Caribbean and Central America.  The professionals at Zimmetry offer environmental compliance, indoor air quality, asbestos, lead-based paint, Phase IESAs and general environmental consulting services.