We've posted recently that the standard for Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessments will be changing in 2013 (the new standard will be called ASTM E1527-13), and with this comes some potentially significant changes.  One of these potential changes is a greater emphasis on assessing the risk of Vapor Intrusion or Vapor Encroachment during the Phase 1 ESA process.  

The concept of Vapor Intrusion or Encroachment has been around for a while, but has become more prominent due to better science and modeling of the risks that a relatively small amount of carcinogenic vapors can pose to human health.  

The potential ASTM E1527-13 change regarding vapor intrusion may be achieved simply by clarifying that the definition of a "release" does in fact include contamination in vapor phase (not just in soil or groundwater) - a small change in appearance, but it could provide additional impetus for consultants to assess vapor risk in a more systematic way.  There has been a fair amount of debate within the environmental consulting industry over how to assess for vapor risks - whether it is (and has been) a consideration during the normal Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment process, or whether a separate Vapor Screening report should be done.

In light of this potential change, we're hosting a free webinar on Managing Vapor Intrusion Risk this Thursday the 29th at 2pm eastern.  The webinar will cover the following:

• How does Vapor Intrusion occur? 
• What is a Vapor Intrusion Concern (VIC) versus a Vapor Encroachment Concern (VEC)?
• Are either of those a Recognized Environmental Condition (REC)?
• What do regulations have to say about vapor?
• What is the best way to test for a vapor concern?
• What can I do if I have a concern on my hands?

I hear from my clients that this growing concern can cause some handwringing, so I hope this webinar offers some clarification and perspective on vapor risks.