What is a Phase III?

Where a Phase I is research on a property and a Phase II is testing completed on a property, a Phase III is the physical remediation of a problem identified by either a Phase I or Phase II.    A Phase II could consist of removing an underground storage tank (UST) found on a site or the remediation of soil or groundwater contamination. 

Following a Phase II Environmental Investigation, an environmental professional will supply a report as to what was found in the Phase II and if additional work needs to be completed in order to deem the property as free of potential liability stemming from environmental concerns.  If the findings do suggest that Phase III work is necessary then the environmental professional should have a meeting with all the parties involved and discuss the findings and the clean up strategy.  Phase III work is unique in the fact that each job varies because the type of contamination and the size of the area vary from site to site.   

After the Phase III work is completed the area will still need additional testing to confirm that the property has been properly cleaned up.  The ultimate goal of a Phase III is to rid the property of any potentially harmful environmental contamination or risk of contamination.  Once all of the testing is completed and the levels are at zero or below standards the property is consider “clean”.