On November 6, 2013, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) issued the revised version of the ASTM E1527 Standard for Phase I Environmental Site Assessments.  The newly released standard attempts to clarify interpretations of the previous standard. 

The new standard supersedes the prior 2005 standard. ASTM E1527-13 has now been published and available for purchase on the ASTM website.  EPA has informed ASTM that its process to reference the revised standard as compliant with “All Appropriate Inquiries” regulation should be finalized by the end of 2013. 

The 2013 amendment to ASTM E1527 provides clarification on the definitions of Recognized Environmental Condition and Historical Recognized Environmental Condition.  The amendment also includes a new term, Controlled Recognized Environmental Condition, and addresses the potential assessment for Vapor Migration Risk.  The amendment further clarifies requirements for the requisite regulatory file review and includes updates to User responsibilities under the standard.  The EPA has summarized the updates and changes from the E1527-05 standard in a document in the EPA docket.  (See Amendment to Standards and Practices for All Appropriate inquiry.)

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