ASTM E2600-15 PDF Download

ASTM E2600-15 is a standard guide titled "Standard Guide for Vapor Encroachment Screening on Property Involved in Real Estate Transactions." This guide provides a voluntary screening process for determining the presence or likelihood of vapor encroachment conditions (VECs) on a parcel of real estate. VECs refer to the presence or likely presence of contaminated soil and/or groundwater vapors in the vadose zone of the property. The screening process defined in this guide requires information similar to that collected in a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) as well as additional information specific to vapor encroachment screening. If a VEC is identified, further investigation is recommended.

This standard guide can be used in conjunction with a Phase I ESA or as an independent assessment to determine the presence or absence of VECs. It is applicable to properties with existing structures, properties with planned development, or undeveloped properties. It is important to note that this guide does not replace a Phase I ESA conducted by an environmental professional or the obligations of the environmental professional to identify recognized environmental conditions (RECs) related to the property.

The vapor encroachment screening should be performed by an environmental professional who possesses the necessary expertise and experience. The guide acknowledges that there may be additional services contracted between the user and the environmental professional relating to business environmental risks that go beyond the scope of this guide.

The guide includes several principles to guide the screening process. It emphasizes that screening cannot completely eliminate uncertainty regarding the identification of VECs and is aimed at reducing, but not eliminating, uncertainty. The guide also highlights the need to balance the costs and time demands of the screening process with the reduction of uncertainty. The appropriate level of screening will vary depending on the nature of the property and the information already available.

To ensure the continued viability of the vapor encroachment screening, a screening conducted according to the procedures in this guide completed within 180 days before the property acquisition date (or intended use date for non-acquisition transactions) is presumed to be valid. However, certain components of the investigation should be conducted or updated within 180 days of the purchase or intended transaction date.

The guide also addresses the use of prior vapor encroachment screening information. It allows for the use of information from previous screenings if generated using procedures consistent with this guide, but stresses the importance of current investigation of conditions likely to affect VECs. The contractual and legal obligations related to the use of prior screenings are beyond the scope of this guide.

If the user or environmental professional has actual knowledge that the information from a prior vapor encroachment screening is inaccurate or if it is obvious based on other information obtained, such information may not be used. The guide also clarifies that the contractual and legal obligations between environmental professionals and users are not defined within this guide.