What are the costs for a Phase II?

A Phase II can cost as little as a $1,000.00 and cost North of $15,000.00.  Since no two sites are the same costs for a Phase II can vary considerably.

How does a Phase I lead to a Phase II?

A Phase I points to potential problems, such as contamination in the ground. A Phase II investigates these concerns by testing. A Phase II can also be referred to as a Site Assessment, Site Characterization Report, Environmental Site Investigation, or Remedial Investigation.

The primary goal of a Phase II is determining if contamination is present. A Phase II can go on to determine the amount of contamination present so Phase III (remediation) costs can be determined.

For example, the soil and water sampling being performed in the below photo was evaluating for contamination from a prior use of the site.  The current operation as a fast-food restaurant is not an environmental risk, the former truck repair use was an environment concern.

Why is a Phase II more expensive than a Phase I?

A Phase II is more complex on average than a Phase I.  Since a Phase II is testing, you will need specialized equipment to acquire samples.  You will also need an environmental professional to oversee the investigation.  This environmental professional could have performed the Phase I but is not returning with $120,000 worth of drilling equipment to collect soil and groundwater samples.    You can spend thousands of dollars in soil and water testing, then you need the sample data reviewed, interpreted, samples listed on a map and then an opinion regarding what the findings mean.

Phase II are extremely important as they confirm problems BEFORE the property is transferred.  Many companies will pitch low-cost Phase I reports to get the more lucrative Phase II work. The photo below shows contamination found during a Phase II, a Phase II, remediation was required and cost about $90,000 to remediate.  

Your next question is what does a Phase II cost?

That depends on what you are testing and where. Recent Phase II projects Curren has worked on had  costs in the $7,000.00   to 37,000.00 range.   Be aware when a Phase II is required the costs is significantly more than a Phase I cost.

At Curren we own and operate equipment necessary in Phase II investigations. We perform Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) surveys, drilling and excavation with in house equipment and personnel. This leads to cost 20% or more below firms that subcontract these services.