The refinancing of an auto transmission repair shop in Boulder required Phase I and II environmental due diligence site assessments. The property reportedly operated as a service station for less than one year in the 1950s and two underground storage tanks (USTs) were reportedly closed in-place with inert material in the 1970s. Soil testing was performed by others in 2001 to investigate the USTs and a No Further Action (NFA) determination was obtained from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment Division of Oil and Public Safety (OPS) based on the evidence of no release(s) from the USTs. However, the long-time historic
usage of petroleum products including fuel, automotive oils/lubricants, a parts washer with acidic fluids, and possible chlorinated solvents use, were cause for environmental concern to the property and a Phase II was performed to confirm or deny the presence of recognized environmental conditions.
A portable hydraulic hammer direct-push unit was used to access tight spaces inside the shop area and drill soil borings to obtain soil and groundwater samples. Clear acetate sleeves in 4 feet lengths allowed for visual inspection of the soil core. Our field geologist performed field screening and head-space analysis. Small samples of soil were placed in resealable plastic baggies and the head-space was measured for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), using a photoionization gas detector (PID).
Groundwater samples were collected using polyethylene tubing and temporary PVC wells placed down the holes. Soil and groundwater samples were laboratory analyzed for oil and grease, target hydrocarbons, and VOCs. The results from the laboratory testing were compared to standards established by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). The laboratory analysis of soil and groundwater on the property indicated compliance with the applicable State standards and confirmed no recognized environmental conditions were present.
During our inspection, 9 inch x 9 inch “checker-board” floor tiles were observed in the office area as suspect asbestos containing materials. Although out-of-scope for Phase I Environmental Site Assessments, property owners should be aware that suspected asbestos containing materials should be tested and abated/removed properly before