Denver Lots: The Alternative Housing Group - Environmental Cleanup & Testing A key responsibility is the evaluation of potential property purchases. Since the inception of certain environmental laws which place severe penalties on persons having contaminated property, the banking and legal entities have determined that all property transfers should be evaluated for potential risk for such liability. It is essential to conduct property evaluations to protect yourself from needless liability issues. Soil Sampling Techniques: Obtaining a representative sample is the key to getting accurate results. Steps for proper sampling are available from your local Cooperative Extension office or from the laboratory that will analyze your samples. The main things to remember are to use clean collection implements and to obtain a sample that is representative of the soil or material you wish to have analyzed. In general, the more material you composite to form your sample, the more reliable the laboratory results will be. Soil Testing Reports: Soil testing is required for many reasons. Initially you will need a Phase I report which will list all former known uses of the property, i.e. demolished home on the site, commercial uses, farm or storage facilities. Based on the Phase I report specific soils analysis procedures would be recommended. Generally, residential property does not require environmental analysis. However, if a property is included in an EPA superfund site or had a commercial use such as a gas station or dry cleaner further testing would be required. The testing protocols are known as the Phase II report. In this report the environmental engineer recommends what soils analysis tests should be conducted. Testing may be done for spilled hydrocarbons, solvents, ground water contamination, heavy metals or underground tanks. Based on what is found a Phase III remediation and restoration project could be initiated. The most common type of soil tests are those conducted to determine the suitability of the soil for footings and foundations. This test is required by the city prior to obtaining a building permit. Generally, these tests are conducted by soils engineers with a drilling rig and core sampling equipment. These soils reports tell the structural design professionals what kind of foundation to design, where the water table is and what drainage measures must be taken. Foundational soils tests generally drill twenty feet or deeper to the bedrock depending on your requirements. Water Quality Testing: People who get their water from a public supply have the benefit of strict federal and state regulations governing water quality and testing. If you have or are planning a private water system, it is your responsibility to make sure your familys water is safe. Contaminated water may not taste, look or smell different from safe drinking water. Quality of laboratory services may vary. Ask the laboratory manager about his areas of expertise or call us if you need some help. © 2001-2007 Alternative Housing Group, LLC dba DenverLots.Com and AlternativeHousingGroup.Com is protected under copyright and trademark laws. Any reproduction is strictly forbidden.