Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESA) are conducted to determine if soil or groundwater contamination exists on University of Michigan (U-M) development or construction projects.  Owners or operators of a “facility” (contaminated property) have Due Care responsibilities under Part 201 to ensure that the existing contamination does not pose an unacceptable risk and is not exacerbated.  U-M must, under the Due Care requirements under Part 201 Section 20107a:

• Prevent exacerbation of the existing contamination
• Prevent unacceptable human exposure and mitigate fire and explosion hazards to allow for the intended use of the facility in a manner that protects the public health and safety
• Take reasonable precautions to protect others who come onto the property, such as contractors, utility workers, etc
• Provide notifications to the DEQ and others
• Provide reasonable cooperation, assistance, and access to the persons that are authorized to conduct response activities at the property
• Comply with any land use or resource use restrictions established or relied on connection with the response activities
• Not impede the effectiveness or integrity of any land use or resource use restriction

Environmental Protection & Permitting Program (EP3) works with U-M departments that develop or maintain U-M property to ensure that the Due Care requirements are followed.  This usually involves:

• Properly managing and disposing of excavated contaminated soil, groundwater or drilling slurry
• Coordinating subsurface assessments, similar to a Phase II ESA, to further evaluate the extent of contamination
• Providing notification to workers handling contaminated materials
• Developing soil and groundwater management plans to ensure the contaminated materials are relocated or disposed of properly

For more information about the remediation process and procedures, contact EP3 at (734) 647-1143.