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	<title>CRE-Expert</title>
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	<link>http://cre-expert.com</link>
	<description>Home of Commercial Real Estate Experts</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Mon, 13 May 2013 15:11:54 +0000</lastBuildDate>
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		<title>Seismic Risk Assessment and Seismic Probable Maximum Loss Reports</title>
		<link>http://cre-expert.com/blog/archives/750</link>
		<comments>http://cre-expert.com/blog/archives/750#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 13 May 2013 15:11:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kelly McMicken</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Building Experts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Commercial Real Estate Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Commercial Real Estate Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Engineering Due Diligence]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Commercial Building Inspection]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[commercial real estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[due diligence]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Probable Maximum Loss]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seismic Damageability Assessment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seismic Risk Assessment]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://cre-expert.com/?p=750</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Seismic Risk Assessments are an assessment that can be “forgotten” when the lender/buyer is not themselves in a seismic risk zone. Property that is in a high risk seismic zone should be evaluated for loss during “the big one.” Seismic Probable Maximum Loss Reports are engineering reports that evaluate the expected amount of loss that a building is expected to sustain during an earthquake event. Of the due diligence products that are offered, Seismic Probable Maximum Loss Reports are of the most important for property in a seismic risk zone. The number one reason is that most insurance policies exclude seismic loss in the event of an earthquake and damage is sustained to an asset. If the building burns down, the asset is covered, but if it falls down during an earthquake, in most cases, it’s not. Not all seismic risk assessments and reports are alike. It is important that an experienced engineer conduct the calculations that goes into a report and that their evaluation is done to industry standards. Additionally, discussions in the report should be comprehensive in regards to specific areas of the asset that may require a seismic retrofit. This would in some cases, prevent some loan programs from being available to finance the property. The full gamut of what is evaluated and how to understand these evaluations is answered by Partner’s Jenny Redlin and Joseph Derhake, PE in their recent presentation, Due Diligence 101: Third Party Reports from A-Z. This presentation was recently aired by GlobeSt.com and is offered on demand until July 2nd, 2013. Registration]]></description>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Essential of Seismic Risk Assessments Webinar</title>
		<link>http://cre-expert.com/blog/archives/746</link>
		<comments>http://cre-expert.com/blog/archives/746#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 07 May 2013 21:46:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kelly McMicken</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Commercial Real Estate Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Commercial Real Estate Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Conferences and Industry Events]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Engineering Due Diligence]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environmental Due Diligence]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fannie Mae]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Freddie Mac/Fannie Mae]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUD]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[commercial real estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Freddie Mac Due Diligence]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PCA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PCR]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Physical Needs Assessment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Probable Maximum Loss]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Project Capital Needs Assessment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Property Condition Assessment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Property Condition Report]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seismic Risk Assessment]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://cre-expert.com/?p=746</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Partner&#8217;s Technical Director &#8211; Structural Engineering, Joshua Marrow, PE and Principal, Jenny Redlin, REA presented an informative webinar today regarding the Essentials of Seismic Risk Assessments. This hour long presentation covered many important topics such as; Why do we perform Seismic Risk Assessments? Who are Seismic Risk Assessment Users? Why a Seismic Risk Assessment is Prudent? ASTM E2026 / E2557- Seismic Risk Assessment Guide and Practice Anatomy of Seismic Risk Assessments Seismic Risk Programs Agency Policy and Municipal Ordinances If you weren&#8217;t able to join Joshua and Jenny for today’s webinar, please do so during their next presentations. June 13th, 2:00 PM EST July 30th, 2:00 PM EST]]></description>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Partner Spring Webinars</title>
		<link>http://cre-expert.com/blog/archives/744</link>
		<comments>http://cre-expert.com/blog/archives/744#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2013 18:13:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kelly McMicken</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Building Experts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Commercial Real Estate Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Commercial Real Estate Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Construction]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Engineering Due Diligence]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environmental Due Diligence]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fannie Mae]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Freddie Mac/Fannie Mae]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUD]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Multi-Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SBA Real Estate Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Site Surveys (ALTA)]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[504]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AAI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ALTA Surveys]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ASTM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Commercial Building Inspection]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[commercial real estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[due diligence]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[energy audit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Energy Disclosure]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[environmental assessment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environmental Questionnaire]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environmental Risk Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environmental Site Assessment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environmentally Sensitive Industries]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ESA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Freddie Mac Due Diligence]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PCA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PCR]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Phase 1]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Phase I Environmental Site Assessment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[phase I esa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Physical Needs Assessment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Probable Maximum Loss]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Project Capital Needs Assessment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Property Condition Assessment]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://cre-expert.com/?p=744</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Partner Engineering and Science, Inc. is pleased to launch our spring webinar series. This series offers new and updated webinars that discuss commercial real estate trends, standards updates and changes as they affect the commercial real estate industry. Registration for all webinars is at no cost to industry professionals. Webinar Topics Include: The Essentials of Seismic Risk Assessments Why should you order one? What goes into a Seismic Risk Assessment? Overview of the scope requirements of ASTM, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and HUD Seismic Policy – A tool for lenders and investors to manage seismic risk May 7th, 2:00 PM EST June 13th, 2:00 PM EST July 30th, 2:00 PM EST ***Includes a review of Freddie Mac&#8217;s new policy announced in April 2013 Presenter: Joshua Marrow, PE SBA Loan Liquidation Due Diligence  Understanding the new SOP 50 57 and limiting your liability May 9th, 2:00 PM EST June 25th, 2:00 PM EST Presenters: Chris Gregor, REA, Gary Reynolds and Marshall Stanclift Soft Story Seismic Hazards and City Ordinances An overview of soft story buildings and the hazards they can present, and a review of municipal seismic evaluation and retrofit ordinances for major California cities including the proposed mandatory San Francisco Soft Story Seismic Retrofit Ordinance. June 4th, 2:00 PM EST Presenter: Joshua Marrow, PE A User’s Guide to Phase II Subsurface Investigations What you need to know about the Phase II scope, data collection and data interpretation June 18th, 2:00 PM EST  July 24th, 2:00 PM EST August 6th, 2:00 PM EST Presenters: Joseph Derhake, PE, Kristine MacWilliams, PE New dates and topics are being added. For future webinars and to register, visit Partner&#8217;s Webinars page.]]></description>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Heeding Green Advice</title>
		<link>http://cre-expert.com/blog/archives/739</link>
		<comments>http://cre-expert.com/blog/archives/739#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 24 Apr 2013 22:24:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jay Grenfell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Building Experts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Commercial Real Estate Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Commercial Real Estate Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Engineering Due Diligence]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environmental Due Diligence]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Multi-Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Commercial Building Inspection]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[commercial real estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[due diligence]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[energy audit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Energy Disclosure]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://cre-expert.com/?p=739</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The benefits of green building and energy efficiency are real and increasingly want to be realized by commercial real estate investors and tenants alike.  Partner Engineering and Science, Inc.’s green retrofit of their new company headquarters in Los Angeles provided Partner with firsthand experience in realizing those benefits.  By undertaking this project Partner is now able to provide invaluable insight to their clients on the full lifecycle of green building projects, from planning to financing, to implementation, and measuring results. “In the past few years, real estate investors and tenants alike have realized the benefits of having energy-efficient and sustainable buildings. The rewards are vast and include: lower utility costs and higher net operating income; improved green branding and marketability; greater tenant satisfaction; compliance with local codes; and a reduced impact on the environment. In response to this growing market interest, green building and green retrofitting has increased significantly in the past several years. This, in turn, has created opportunities for commercial mortgage brokers to guide and advise clients on green financing. It’s also created opportunities for engineering, environmental and energy consultants who provide guidance to commercial and multifamily building owners and investors on how to take advantage of green programs.” Erika Petty, Heeding Green Advice, Scotsman Guide, August 2012 Green building retrofits can accomplish a variety of goals.  Those goals should be understood and well defined.  A number of financing vehicles are available and many offer energy efficiency incentives.  A successful project requires a strong team that incorporates strong relationships to accomplish financing, design and build, and building commissioning.   By using the lessons learned from their own experience in seeking financing and implementing green building measures, Partner Engineering and Science, Inc. can be a key piece to that team to ensure your project is a success. Full Article]]></description>
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		<item>
		<title>Property Condition Assessments and Reports</title>
		<link>http://cre-expert.com/blog/archives/736</link>
		<comments>http://cre-expert.com/blog/archives/736#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 22 Apr 2013 19:56:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kelly McMicken</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Appraisal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Construction]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Engineering Due Diligence]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fannie Mae]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Freddie Mac/Fannie Mae]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Multi-Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SBA Real Estate Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Commercial Building Inspection]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Commercial Building Inspector]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[commercial real estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[due diligence]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PCA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PCR]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Physical Needs Assessment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Project Capital Needs Assessment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Property Condition Assessment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Property Condition Report]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://cre-expert.com/?p=736</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Engineering due diligence is an important part of the property transaction process. Like environmental due diligence, there are a variety of engineering due diligence products to assist in evaluating an asset. Engineering due diligence can provide a wealth of knowledge about the physical condition of a property. During a Property Condition Assessment, the building systems are evaluated for short and long term expenditures. This assessment can give the buyer or lender a clearer understanding of the expected short and long term investments needed to maintain a property. In some cases, the PCA report can provide insight into whether or not an acquisition is prudent. If the expected costs are too high, the buyer may choose to seek out alternative investments. Other engineering due diligence products include streamlined or more comprehensive Property Condition Assessments, as well as seismic risk evaluations.   It is important to understand what due diligence products are available, what is included and the benefits of each, in order to understand what due diligence is most appropriate for your needs. Partner’s Jenny Redlin and Joe Derhake discuss both the environmental and engineering due diligence products during their presentation Due Diligence 101: Third Party Reports from A-Z. This presentation was recently aired by GlobeSt.com and is offered on demand until July 2nd, 2013. Registration]]></description>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessments and Due Diligence 101</title>
		<link>http://cre-expert.com/blog/archives/733</link>
		<comments>http://cre-expert.com/blog/archives/733#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 17 Apr 2013 18:51:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kelly McMicken</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Big Deal Docket]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Building Experts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Commercial Real Estate Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Commercial Real Estate Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Engineering Due Diligence]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environmental Due Diligence]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fannie Mae]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Freddie Mac/Fannie Mae]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUD]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Legal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Multi-Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SBA Real Estate Finance]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://cre-expert.com/?p=733</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[During the acquisition, refinance or foreclosure of a property, it is important to understand the asset’s potential environmental liability in order to protect your investment and to weigh the risks associate with that investment. This means making sure that there is no major environmental liability associated with the current or past use of the subject property. There are a few due diligence steps that can be taken in order to assist in doing this. The most common due diligence product is a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment. The Phase 1 ESA is governed by ASTM and EPA guidelines. It is important to know what due diligence products are available and what each one entails. What is a Phase 1 ESA? Why is a Phase 1 ESA done? How is it done? How long does it take? How much does it cost? What happens if one is not done or it is not accurate?  What are my options other than a Phase I ESA? These are all questions that can be answered by Partner’s Jenny Redlin and Joe Derhake in their recent presentation, Due Diligence 101: Third Party Reports from A-Z. This presentation was recently aired by GlobeSt.com and is offered on demand until July 2nd, 2013. Registration]]></description>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title></title>
		<link>http://cre-expert.com/blog/archives/723</link>
		<comments>http://cre-expert.com/blog/archives/723#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 29 Mar 2013 21:24:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kelly McMicken</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Commercial Real Estate Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ALTA Surveys]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[commercial real estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[due diligence]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Engineering Due Diligence]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environmental Due Diligence]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Globe St]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jenny Redlin]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Joseph Derhake]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[online class]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[online course]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Partner Engineering and Science]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Phase 1]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Phase I Environmental Site Assessment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[phase I esa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Property Condition Assessment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Property Condition Report]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seismic Probable Maximum Loss Report]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[third party reports]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[webinar]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Zoning report]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://cre-expert.com/?p=723</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Commercial Real Estate Due Diligence Underwriters, analysts, and loan officers who want to deepen their knowledge of Commercial Real Estate Due Diligence are well served to learn a little about each type of third party report that is needed to underwrite a commercial real estate transaction.    Five of the most commonly required commercial real estate due diligence reports are Phase I Environmental Site Assessments, Property Condition Assessments, Seismic Probable Maximum Loss Reports, ALTA Surveys, and Zoning Reports.   Gain a basic education of all of these reports from Globe Street&#8217;s upcoming webinar, Due Diligence 101: Third Party Reports A to Z. &#160; Due Diligence 101: Third Party Reports A to Z Webinar Hosted by GlobeSt.com Tuesday, April 2, 2:00 PM EDT Register: GlobeSt.com As commercial real estate heats up in 2013, due diligence is more important than ever. The battery of 3rd party due diligence reports can be a lot to absorb for many CRE professionals. The reports are a veritable alphabet soup: ESA, PCA, PML, ALTA…and more!  To help you digest it all, Partner Engineering and Science, Inc. will be presenting a webinar on Due Diligence 101 – Third Party Reports from A to Z. The webinar will cover the 5 main food groups of physical due diligence reports: Phase I Environmental Site Assessments Property Condition Assessments Seismic Probable Maximum Loss Reports ALTA Land Title Surveys Zoning Reports &#160; Partner’s Thought Leaders Joe Derhake, PE and Jenny Redlin will give a solid overview of what each report covers, why they’re important, and key things to look for. Attendees will receive a helpful “Due Diligence Checklist” for commercial real estate transactions. &#160; &#160;]]></description>
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		<item>
		<title>Radon Affects Real Estate Deals</title>
		<link>http://cre-expert.com/blog/archives/720</link>
		<comments>http://cre-expert.com/blog/archives/720#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 18 Mar 2013 21:05:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jay Grenfell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Building Experts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Commercial Real Estate Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environmental Due Diligence]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[commercial real estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[due diligence]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[environmental assessment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environmental Risk Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environmental Site Assessment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environmentally Sensitive Industries]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Phase 1]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Phase 1 ESA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[phase I esa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[radon]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://cre-expert.com/?p=720</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Being that Colorado is an area with a high radon propensity, it is important to know how radon can impact a real estate transaction.  Sellers, lenders, and developers need to be aware of the risks of radon and how it can impact their commercial real estate deal.   Radon testing can be completed to assess whether a particular building has elevated levels and radon mitigation, if necessary, can often be installed at relatively inexpensive costs on both new and existing structures. Sellers, if aware of a radon hazard, must disclose such hazards to a buyer even when a radon mitigation system is in place.   Lenders need to be aware of all environmental risks and more often than not will have radon addressed in some form as part of a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment.  Oftentimes, depending on the financing, radon testing may be required.   Developers must be aware that certain communities require radon mitigation systems for new construction.    When addressed appropriately, radon risks are easily identifiable and more importantly, relatively inexpensive to mitigate. For full discussion on radon and real estate deals, read the article Radon Affects Real Estate Deals as published by the Colorado Real Estate Journal.]]></description>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>CA Water Board&#8217;s Low-Threat UST Closure Policy</title>
		<link>http://cre-expert.com/blog/archives/716</link>
		<comments>http://cre-expert.com/blog/archives/716#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 12 Mar 2013 23:54:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Erika Petty</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Environmental Due Diligence]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CA leaking UST]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CA LUST closure policy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[California Leaking UST]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[California LUST closure policy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[low threat ust california]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Low-Threat Underground Storage Tank Case Closure Policy]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://cre-expert.com/?p=716</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In California where environmental regulations are famously conservative, a policy went into effect last fall making it a little easier to close certain low-risk sites contaminated by leaking petroleum underground storage tanks.  Owners or responsible parties of these leaking UST sites should be aware of this program to see whether their site qualifies. Overview of the Low-Threat Underground Storage Tank Case Closure Policy The California  State Water Resources Control Board, also known as simply the State Water Board, adopted a policy on May 1, 2012 regarding the closure of sites with leaking petroleum underground storage tanks (UST). The new policy established consistent statewide criteria  for case closure of a subset of low-threat petroleum UST sites. To qualify as such, a site must be  without unique characteristics or site specific conditions that increase risk to human health, safety or the environment, and that meet general and media-specific criteria. The Low-Threat Underground Storage Tank Case Closure Policy appears to be an effort to balance the protection of human and environmental health with the realities of limited technical and economic resources. The policy cites experience and literature to establish that standard remedial technologies and efforts can remove substantial quantities of petroleum contaminants. The policy also states that extra effort to remove residual petroleum contaminants can be difficult and costly as well unnecessary considering  natural attenuation slows and limits the migration of dissolved petroleum plumes in groundwater and the environment. Criteria for Low-Threat Leaking Underground Storage Tank Sites General criteria that must be satisfied by all candidate sites are listed as follows: a. The unauthorized release is located within the service area of a public water system; b. The unauthorized release consists only of petroleum; c. The unauthorized (“primary”) release from the UST system has been stopped; d. Free product has been removed to the maximum extent practicable; e. A conceptual site model that assesses the nature, extent, and mobility of the release has been developed; f. Secondary source has been removed to the extent practicable; g. Soil or groundwater has been tested for methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) and results reported in accordance with Health and Safety Code section 25296.15; and h. Nuisance as defined by Water Code section 13050 does not exist at the site. &#160; For more information, visit the State Water Board&#8217;s website at http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/ust/lt_cls_plcy.shtml or contact Partner&#8216;s Site Mitigation group at 800-419-4923.]]></description>
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		<title>A REC in Calexico is a REC in Mexicali? (1 Comment)</title>
		<link>http://cre-expert.com/blog/archives/731</link>
		<comments>http://cre-expert.com/blog/archives/731#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 12 Mar 2013 16:54:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Joe Derhake, PE</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Environmental Due Diligence]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://cre-expert.com/blog/archives/731</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Entry by JoeDerhake Entry &#160; What if you are doing two Phase I Environmental Reports and run into the exact same environmental issue, one site in Mexicali and one site in Calexico? &#160;&#160;Would you treat these issues the same? &#160; First,&#160;Mexicali is a Mexican border down about 100 miles east of San Diego; this might be most familiar to Dead Heads via the Dead song,” Mexicali Blues.”&#160; Immediately across the border is a US border town called Calexico.&#160; &#160; A lot of people in our community advocate for treating recognized environmental conditions (RECs) similarly across all property types and instances.&#160;&#160; “A REC is a REC is a REC” is a mantra of some in our community. &#160; The ASTM E1527’s definition of Recognized Environmental Condition focuses on the presence of petroleum products and/or hazardous materials “under conditions that indicate an existing release, a past release, or a material threat of a release of any hazardous substances or petroleum products…” and the “REC-is-a-REC” point of view is well supported&#8211;at least until you get to the de minimis condition exception.&#160;&#160; The de minimis portion of the definition of RECs applies two tests:&#160; 1) is it a human health concern? and 2) if reported to a regulator, would the regulator require action?&#160;&#160;&#160; &#160; The human health criteria should be applied consistently on each side of the border.&#160;&#160; Right?&#160; On the California side of the border, we compare volatile organic concentrations to CHHSLs (CA Human Health Screening Levels).&#160;&#160; CHHSLs are famously conservative and many of the other states in the union are not interested in using the progressive and conservative standards of California.&#160;&#160; Hmmm?&#160;&#160;&#160; When working in a region with no standards or rules on an issue such as safe levels of volatile organic compounds in the subsurface beneath a building, I think the environmental professional is right to import a standard.&#160;&#160; Importing California rules seem to make sense in this border town hypothetical, but in the case of vapor intrusion, California is no doubt on the conservative side of the spectrum.&#160; The EP could also import the rule of another state that takes a more middle of the road stance on vapor intrusion. The second de minimis criterion is for items that “generally would not be the subject of an enforcement action if brought to the attention of appropriate governmental agencies.”&#160;&#160;&#160; Now this element of the ASTM E1527 definition of RECs vs de minimis conditions is dependent on location.&#160; What would trigger regulatory action in California may not trigger it in Mexico.&#160;&#160; &#160;In my practice (we do some work in Mexico) I like to stay rather consistent in my classification of Recognized Environmental Conditions, but I think a technical read of the standard allows a little wiggle room here.&#160; Keywords Recognized Environmental Condition, REC, de minimis environmental condition, de minimis condition, Phase I Environmental Report]]></description>
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