S. Clinton St. Concurrent ESA's

Specialty Consulting, Inc. (SPC) undertook a comprehensive environmental assessment project to support the acquisition of a property in downtown Chicago's historically industrial area. Tasked with conducting both Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs), SPC evaluated the site's environmental conditions in accordance with ASTM Standard E1527-13.

The Phase I ESA was initiated with an exhaustive review of historical data, including geological, hydrological, and regulatory records. Anticipating potential subsurface contaminants, SPC concurrently conducted the Phase II ESA, which confirmed suspicions of environmental concerns. Discoveries included a former 5,000-gallon heating oil storage tank, a coal room, oil-containing transformers, and a gas-fired boiler on-site.

In response to the client's request, SPC expanded the scope to include additional assessments, such as a Hazardous Materials Assessment and research into cultural and historical resources. The Phase II ESA involved advancing soil borings and installing monitoring wells, with analytical results compared against IEPA standards.

Despite complex challenges, SPC streamlined the project timeline by conducting concurrent Phase I and Phase II assessments. Collaboration with the property's tenant ensured seamless investigation activities without disrupting ongoing business operations. Through analysis and strategic coordination, SPC delivered comprehensive environmental insights to facilitate the property acquisition process.