Risk-Based Assessment Enables Successful Property Transaction

Forensic analysis and regulatory collaboration turned a complex contamination issue into a clear, manageable path to property transfer.

Client: Real Estate Holdings Company, Philadelphia, PA

Integral staff were retained to find solutions to adverse environmental conditions discovered during a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment. Metals, VOC’s, PAH’s and free phase petroleum (LNAPL) were identified in soil and groundwater interrupting the progress of a significant property transaction.

Our team used forensic science and desktop research on the surrounding area to demonstrate that the chemical compounds and LNAPL discovered were from historic and/or offsite sources. To expedite the property transaction, Integral staff negotiated practicable LNAPL recovery metrics with the PADEP for two monitoring wells and developed site-specific cleanup standards through risk modeling.

By demonstrating that on-site activities and infrastructure were not contributing to the contamination, and, that existing contamination was not a health concern, a buyer/seller agreement was reached and the property was sold.