ASTM Standard 1527-13 for Phase I Environmental Site Assessments is now on the streets but it does not have EPA’s stamp of approval quite yet.  In August, EPA issued a final rule stating that the soon-to-be-released 1527-13 Standard would be acceptable, alternatively, to the 1527-05 Standard.  In reaction to a slew of comments which were critical of that decision, EPA withdrew the approval in October.  We can expect a new statement on whether the 1527-13 Standard is compliant with “All Appropriate Inquiry” rules by the end of the year.

SMG is analyzing both the new standard and watching for EPA’s final determination.  We will keep you engaged in the process.  At the present, it is appropriate to continue to use the 1527-05 Standard as the approved approach to “All Appropriate Inquiry”.