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New Standard For ASTM

April 4th, 2022

In November 2021, the ASTM International released the new standard ASTM E1527-21 for Phase I Environmental Site Assessments.  The new standard replaces the current ASTM E1527-13.  Environmental professionals must comply with the ASTM E1527 requirements to convey the bona fide prospective purchaser (BFPP) protection to a property buyer. 

The new ASTM standard is in the formal process of being adopted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  On Mach 14, 2022 the EPA issued a direct final rule approving ASTM International (ASTM) Standard E1527-21 as an additional standard meeting the all appropriate inquiry (AAI) component for potential liability protections under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).

The EPA’s approval of the new standard will take effect on May 13, 2022, unless the agency receives adverse comments by April 13, 2022. In this situation the final rule will be withdrawn so that the comments can be addressed. The EPA’s final rule approving the new standard does not eliminate the current E1527-13 as an approved approach for conducting AAI, but instead adds ASTM E1527-21 as an additional tool.

Kate Hendrickson, CHMM, Project Manager at HRP Associates, Inc.