Environmental Due Diligence Guide

Print Document

Volume: 16 Number: 10
October 18, 2007

California Issues Perchlorate Rules

New California regulations establishing a standard for perchlorate in drinking water of 6 parts per billion take effect Oct. 19. California Secretary of State Debra Bowen (D) signed the rule implementing the perchlorate regulations Sept. 19, according to the state Department of Public Health.

NOTE: Please read original article at Building On Brownfields

Project recycles more than just land, TBA clears hurdle for home improvement outlet store

With a piece of property in mind for its home improvement outlet store, Habitat for Humanity of Seattle/South King County had one large hurdle to clear: Before it could purchase the land and warehouse and move forward, officials had to know what kind of contamination lingered below the surface.

The seller had provided Habitat with old environmental reports that indicated some groundwater contamination of uncertain origin, says Bob Gerth, a Habitat volunteer and retired CPA and businessman. When bankers hear words like “contamination,” it isn’t exactly easy to get a loan, he adds.

NOTE:  Read Original Article at EPA Region 10 website.

What is an EPA Targeted Brownfields Assessment?

A Targeted Brownfields Assessment (TBA) is a study conducted by EPA to determine the nature and extent of contamination. If requested, the assessment may also include an analyses of options and cost estimates associated with these options. This assessment work will be conducted by environmental consultants already under contract with EPA. The value of these is assessments is approximately $50,000.

Originally posted at The EPA Western Brownfields Workshop

The EPA Western Brownfields Workshop, for Regions 8, 9 and 10, will be held in San Diego. The three-day workshop is a time to network with other professionals and share in lessons learned as well as the latest news from brownfields experts. Registration form is at ftp://ftp.epa.gov/r8/brownfields/WBW2008. Send your completed form, any agenda topic ideas and questions to wbwregistration@sra.com.

Note: Published in EDR Insider

Bank Pays for Bankrupt Borrower’s Environmental Legacy

Earlier this year, in one of the first Superfund decisions against a bank, contamination left behind at an industrial site abandoned by a bankrupt borrower cost a lender nearly $1 million. The borrower, a chemical company, manufactured and marketed chemicals for the cosmetics and water treatment industries. Its operations resulted in significant quantities of hazardous laboratory waste, chemical products and wastewater, which were stored in containers on the property.

 NOTE: Originally posted at EDR (Environmental Resources Data) blog by Dianne Crocker.

Market Maven

EDR’s Managing Director, Market Research Group, shares her insights on the state of the environmental due diligence market, emerging trends and the strategic challenges faced by environmental consultants in today’s market.

The “Rodney Dangerfield” Syndrome

NOTE: Please read the original article at Building On Brownfields.

From storing grain to fostering growth, Historic silos take on new mission in Idaho

When you look at a grain silo, what do you see?

Do you see restaurants? Condos? A winery? How about a gallery or performance center, or maybe even a college research laboratory?

John and Miranda Anderson of the Anderson Group in Moscow, Idaho, see this and more. They see a chance to turn a 1-acre property at the heart of the town into a redevelopment that will foster economic growth, environmental stewardship and a celebration of the region’s agricultural roots.

This is a reprint of the EPA Region 10 Building On Brownfield’s Newsletter

Portland program pulls in another $580,000, Building relationships, sticking to goals key to success

With more than $2 million in EPA assessment and clean-up grants earned since 1996, the City of Portland’s Brownfields Program has grown to become a strong player in the brownfields arena, both at home in Region 10 and in the nation.

NOTE: This information provided by Greg Rogers at www.advancedenvironmentaldimensions.com

On June 5, 2008, FASB released for public comment Proposed Statement of Financial Accounting Standards, Disclosure of Certain Loss Contingencies.  The proposed standard would significantly expand the quantitative and qualitative disclosure requirements for loss contingencies under SFAS 5 and 141(R). The proposed standard would be effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008, and interim and annual periods in subsequent fiscal years.
Responses from interested parties wishing to comment on the proposed standard must be received in writing by August 8, 2008. Interested parties should submit their comments by email to director@fasb.org, File Reference No. 1025-300.

NOTE: Originally Posted at EDR (Environmental Data Resources) blog by Tony.

Ask Tony

An extension of the popular “Ask Tony” column in EDR’s ESA Report newsletter, this blog will address the technical aspects of conducting a Phase I ESA. Topics will cover vapor intrusion, reliance, REC determinations, consultant liability, decisions about whether sources are “reasonably ascertainable,” Phase I updates and contract language.