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Phase I ESAs in Arizona

Doing Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) in Arizona requires local knowledge, as there are many distinguishing environmental features that may not be found elsewhere in the country.  I have found that a thorough knowledge and history of working in a region provides clients with the best due diligence product. 

Some of the differentiating features in Arizona are described below: 

Dry wells in AZ

A dry well is a drilled hole whose depth is greater than its width, designed specifically for the alleviation of flooding and the disposal of storm waste. Drywells are primarily used as a means of flood control in arid climates, particularly in Arizona which experiences intense, short duration storms. They can also be potential receptors for contaminants, which must be considered during the Phase I. Dry wells must be registered with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ).

Fluctuating Groundwater Levels in AZ

The groundwater has fluctuated down in areas of Arizona due to groundwater pumping for agricultural use and drought conditions, and has fluctuated up in other areas due to effluent recharge, increased natural recharge and decreased agricultural use.  Groundwater depth is an important factor in the consideration of Vapor Encroachment concerns.

Historical Fueling Stations in AZ

Many small rural communities, particularly along U.S. Route 66, experienced a large growth in gasoline station installation from the early 1930s to the late 1970s when new four-lane highways bypassed much of U.S. Route 66. Many of these fueling systems leaked into the soil and groundwater.

The Arizona Water Quality Assurance Revolving Fund (WQARF)

During the 1960s and 1970s, Phoenix experienced significant industrial growth, much of which growth resulted in several soil and groundwater contaminant plumes. The Remedial Projects Section of ADEQ uses the Arizona Water Quality Assurance Revolving Fund (WQARF), created under the Environmental Quality Act of 1986, to support hazardous substance cleanup efforts in the state.

Click here for additional discussion of these unique Arizona features, or call or email me at 602-680-6411, kpeacock@partneresi.com.