Loudoun County Elementary School
Phase I ESA
TNT Environmental and Loudoun County Public School
Location: Elementary School, Loudoun County, Virginia
Property Type: Existing Elementary School
Site History: Developed in the late 1960s on former agricultural land
The client required a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) to satisfy due diligence requirements for the property. The challenge centered on assessing a long-standing, operational public building (constructed in the late 1960s) for environmental risks, particularly those related to historical fuel use and building materials, while minimizing disruption to ongoing educational activities.
The Solution: ASTM-Compliant Due Diligence
Lincoln Environmental Consulting (LEC) conducted the Phase I ESA in strict conformance with ASTM Standard Practice E1527-21 and EPA Standards for All Appropriate Inquiries (40 CFR Part 312).
Our investigation included:
Comprehensive Records Review:
We reviewed regulatory, historical, and property records, including aerial photographs and regulatory databases dating back to before 1937.
Historical Fuel Assessment:
We investigated regulatory listings that noted the historical operation of two 4,000-gallon heating oil Aboveground Storage Tanks (ASTs) on the property. One AST was installed in 1995 and was shown as officially closed and dismantled in 2015.
Non-Scope Services:
We extended the assessment beyond the standard scope to screen for Other Environmental Considerations (OECs) critical to the school’s long-term operations, including Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACMs) and Lead-Based Paint (LBP).
The assessment provided the client with the clarity and risk management strategies necessary to maintain the facility and plan for future renovations, confirming a low environmental risk profile.
The Results: Low Risk, Clear Path Forward
No Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs):
The assessment revealed no evidence of Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs), Controlled Recognized Environmental Conditions (CRECs), or Historical Recognized Environmental Conditions (HRECs) in connection with the subject property.
Key Findings:
No Further Investigation Required:
Based on the robust findings, LEC recommended no further investigation (i.e., no Phase II ESA) for the property at this time.
Building Materials Risk Management (OECs):
We proactively identified and provided clear recommendations for handling potential building hazards:
Asbestos (ACMs):
Due to the building’s age, there is a potential for ACMs to be present. We noted that the facility already operates an Asbestos Operations and Maintenance (O&M) plan and recommended continued adherence to this plan.
Lead-Based Paint (LBP):
The potential for LBP exists. We advised that any planned renovation or demolition activities must be performed in strict accordance with applicable regulations, specifically the OSHA lead standard.
This successful Phase I ESA provided the client, Loudoun County Public Schools, with assurance that they are meeting environmental due diligence standards, while simultaneously giving them a clear framework for managing building material risks and ensuring occupant safety.