ASTM Certification for Environmental Professionals

Introduction

There is mounting pressure on environmental professionals (particularly those conducting a site assessment) from regulators, clients, and stakeholders. Phase I ESA assists in recognizing Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs), possible liabilities, and the risk of contamination before real estate transactions or development. The certification of ASTM aims to standardize the qualification of such professionals, familiarizing them with the ASTM guidelines of the ESAs and regulatory systems such as CERCLA (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act). This certification also ensures they are knowledgeable in performing site studies, reports, record searches, and interviews in an acceptable manner. The certification not only enhances the professional’s marketability and credibility but also ensures that clients and society are assured that the assessments meet the industry’s accepted standards.

Key ASTM Standards Involved

ASTM E1527 Standard Practice of Environmental Site Assessment: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process. This is the fundamental criterion of how a Phase I ESA is to be done, the scope, the process, the definition of terms, the interview, the search of the historical records, the site survey, and the recordings of the report. 

ASTM E1528 Standard Practice for Limited Environmental Due Diligence: Transaction Screen Process. This includes a narrow type of assessment that is commonly applied when a Phase I ESA is not necessary. 

ASTM E2247 Standard Practice for Environmental Due Diligence: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process in Forestland or Rural Property. This is specific to rural or forestland property. 

Press Releases ASTM regulatory agencies and legislation, such as CERCLA and the U.S. EPA rule regarding All Appropriate Inquiries (AAI), are supplementary to ASTM practices, and therefore, the CEP credential is valuable in terms of legal defensibility and compliance.

Methodology (How the Certification Works)

To become an ASTM Certified Environmental Professional (CEP), an individual must satisfy the requirements to obtain the education and/or experience qualification and successfully pass a written exam. The test assesses familiarity with relevant ASTM standards (E1527, E1528, E2247), concepts of recognized environmental conditions, and the process of conducting Phase I ESAs, which includes reviewing government records, conducting interviews, researching historical information, performing site reconnaissance, and reporting. Additionally, it evaluates what is within and outside the scope of Phase I ESAs. The test is time-limited (about 90 minutes) and is made up of multiple-choice questions. There must be a minimum passing mark (e.g., approximately 76 percent in certain jurisdictions). The candidates will have to present evidence of experience/education. 

Applications

The CEP credential is widely applied in the environmental and real estate industries. It is also beneficial to ecological consultants and companies involved in conducting Phase I Environmental Site Assessments during the process of property transactions, when evaluations that can be trusted are necessary in making the decision. This certification is also used by regulatory, legal, and professional bodies to make sure that due diligence is done in accordance with ASTM standards. The advantage to the lenders, developers, and insurers is that the case of environmental liabilities is assessed by certified professionals, hence minimizing the financial risks.

Importance

The significance of the ASTM certification for environmental professionals is the means of credibility and assurance that it gives to the clients, regulators, and other stakeholders to assure them that the assessment is conducted in line with the industry-accepted procedures. It is important in the liability and risk reduction as the Phase I ESAs will be required to fulfill the regulatory due diligence requirements; therefore, they will reduce legal risk in the real estate transactions. There is also increased consistency and quality control because practitioners are licensed to use standardized procedures that lead to consistent reporting when dealing with projects.