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Phase 3 III Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is the term used to describe the contaminated site remediation phase of an ESA.

A phase 3 environmental site assessment includes site characterization and remediation which involve soil, soil gas, and groundwater contamination delineation, characterization, site cleanup, and remediation.

Phase 3 III Environmental Site Assessment is an investigation involving remediation of a site. Phase 3 III investigations aim to delineate the physical extent of contamination based on recommendations made in Phase 2 assessments. This includes design and implementation of a plan of remediation for a contaminated site, together with all necessary reports demonstrating successful remediation. .

Phase 3 investigations may involve intensive testing, sampling, and monitoring, “fate and transport” studies and other modeling, and the design of feasibility studies for remediation and remedial plans. This study normally involves assessment of alternative cleanup methods, costs and logistics. The associated reportage details the steps taken to perform site cleanup and the follow-up monitoring for residual contaminants. .

In the United States, an environmental site assessment is a report prepared for a real estate holding that identifies potential or existing environmental contamination liabilities. The analysis, often called an ESA, typically addresses both the underlying land as well as physical improvements to the property. .

The actual sampling of soil, air, groundwater and/or building materials is typically not conducted during a Phase I ESA. The Phase I ESA is generally considered the first step in the process of environmental due diligence. Standards for performing a Phase I site assessment have been promulgated by the US EPA and are based in part on ASTM in Standard E1527-13. .

If a site is considered contaminated, a Phase II environmental site assessment may be conducted, ASTM test E1903, a more detailed investigation involving chemical analysis for hazardous substances and/or petroleum hydrocarbons. .

Where a Phase 1 / I is research on a property and a Phase 2 / II is testing completed on a property, a Phase 3 / III is the physical remediation or installed and managed engineering control of a problem identified by either a Phase I or Phase 2. A Phase III could consist of removing an underground storage tank (UST) found on a site, the remediation of soil or groundwater contamination or establishing a deed restriction due to contamination left on site. .

Following a Phase I & Phase 2 Environmental Investigation, an environmental professional will supply a report as to what was found in the Phase II and if additional work needs to be completed in order to deem the property as free of potential liability stemming from environmental concerns. The Phase 3 ESA is typically conducted under the supervision of the Local Oversight Agency (LOA), Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA, or local Lead Agency. If the findings do suggest that Phase III 3 work is necessary then the environmental professional and the Lead Agency can discuss what options are available to address the environmental issues found. Phase III 3 work is unique in the fact that each job varies because the type of contamination and the size of the area vary from site to site. Client objectives must be managed in relation to applicable regulations as well as costs to manage the environmental issues. .

After the Phase 3 III work is completed the area may still need additional testing to confirm that the property has been properly cleaned up. The ultimate goal of a Phase 3 III is to either rid the property of any potentially harmful environmental contamination or remove the risk of contamination. Completing a Phase III can mean that the problem is remediated or defined and encapsulated and allowed to remain on site. Variable cost calculations can be used to recalculate property values when contamination is left in place. .

Phase 3 - III Environmental Site Assessment (otherwise referred to as a Phase 3 ESA) is only performed after the first two ESAs (Phase 1 and 2) have been completed and investigate thoroughly. If those prior assessments were able to conclude that there was actually a presence of material that had been contaminated throughout the property of the site, then this phase 3 is conducted. This particular assessment is also known as the Remediation Investigations and Feasibility Studies stage and process primarily because it consists of the process of the development of methods that are specifically designed to remediate that specific property.