PHASE II INVESTIGATIONS

I. Each Phase II Is Unique *
II. What Does It Take to Design a Phase II? *
III. How Much Will It Cost? *
IV. How Long Will It Take? *
V. Will I Need a Phase III? *
VI. Will I Need to Remediate? *

I. Each Phase II Is Unique
Each Phase II investigation is unique. They all include different tasks and they all have different price tags. However, nearly all require collection and analysis of soil samples. These are mostly collected using a drilling rig, but some can be collected using hand tools.

II. What Does It Take to Design a Phase II?
In order to design a Phase II investigation, it is necessary to have the results of a Phase I investigation – where potential sources of contamination and potential contaminants are identified. It’s not necessary to have a completed Phase I report, but it is necessary to have the data.

III. How Much Will It Cost?
Every Phase II is different. However, most cost between $10,000 and $30,000.

IV. How Long Will It Take?
The Phase II reports usually don’t take too long to write. Once you have the analytical data, the report can be assembled in a week or so, depending on the amount of other demands on the consultant’s time. The stumbling blocks are usually waiting for an available drilling rig, and waiting for an analytical laboratory to complete analysis of soil or groundwater samples. In normal years, drilling rigs have been booked 2-3 weeks in advance – but 2005 is not normal. Drillers are currently booked up to 6 weeks in advance. In normal years, analytical labs deliver results in 2-3 weeks – but again, 2005 is not normal, and analyses currently take up to 5 weeks.

So, in normal years, Phase II’s take about 8 weeks. In 2005, they may take 12 weeks or even longer.

Naturally, unusual special requirements may mean that your Phase II cannot be completed in a typical time. However, Cambrian at least checks current availability before promising delivery dates for Phase II reports.

V. Will I Need a Phase III?
That depends. If your site is an Establishment and any contamination is discovered, then a Phase III will be mandated by the DEP. If your site is not an Establishment, the need for a Phase III investigation is usually determined by you and/or your bank. If you need to know how much contaminated soil is present, a Phase III is the only way to go.