Phase II Environmental Site Assessments

A Phase II Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) answers the question a Phase I raises: is there actually contamination here, and how much? Miller Environmental Assessment (MEA) designs Phase II investigations around the specific recognized environmental conditions (RECs) in your Phase I, so you sample what matters and nothing more. We follow the ASTM E1903 framework and compare results to the applicable state risk-based standards.

When you need a Phase II

  • Your Phase I identified a REC, such as a former gas station, dry cleaner, auto repair shop or a suspected underground storage tank.

  • Your lender requires sampling before closing.

What a Phase II can include

  • Geophysical survey (ground-penetrating radar or magnetometer) to locate buried tanks and lines before drilling

  • Soil borings by direct-push rig or hand auger, with field screening by photoionization detector (PID)

  • Groundwater sampling from temporary points or permanent monitoring wells

  • Soil gas and sub-slab vapor sampling where solvents or petroleum could reach indoor air

  • Laboratory analysis matched to the suspected source: petroleum compounds (BTEX, TPH, PAHs), chlorinated solvents, metals, PCBs

  • Chain of custody and hold-time management, so no sample is lost to a missed deadline

How it works

  1. Scoping. We read the Phase I, pick sample locations that test each REC, and give you a clear proposal.

  2. Utility locates and access. One-call locates, a private locator where needed, and scheduling with the owner or tenant.

  3. Field work. Drilling and sampling, logged and photographed by a licensed geologist on site.

  4. Lab analysis. Samples go to an accredited laboratory, with rush turnaround available when your deal needs it.

  5. Report. Results compared to state screening levels, with a clear recommendation for no further action, additional investigation, or entry into a state cleanup program.

Comparing results to the right standard

Each state sets its own risk-based levels. In Missouri, petroleum tank sites follow the Missouri Risk-Based Corrective Action (MRBCA) process; Kansas uses KDHE's Risk-Based Standards for Kansas (RSK). We report against the standard that applies to your property and its planned use, and where a petroleum release is found in Missouri, we can help you understand whether the site may qualify for PSTIF cleanup cost coverage.

Qualifications

Phase II investigations are led by Daniel Miller, a Missouri Registered Geologist and Kansas Professional Geologist with 14 years of environmental consulting experience, hundreds of completed Phase I and Phase II ESAs, and hands-on experience designing monitoring well networks and managing sampling programs on UST sites.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Phase II cost?
It depends on the number of borings, their depth, whether wells are needed and the lab analyses. A focused investigation on one REC costs far less than a site-wide one, which is why we scope from the Phase I.

Do I have to report what you find?
Reporting duties depend on the state, what was found and your role (owner, buyer, lender). We'll explain what applies; for the final call, talk to your environmental attorney.

Will drilling damage the property?
Direct-push borings are about two inches across and are patched to match the surface.

Did your Phase I come back with a REC?

Send it to us and we'll reply within one business day with a proposed Phase II scope.