Not So Fast With the New Environmental Due Diligence Standard
On August 21, 2013, we wrote here that the United States Environmental Protection Agency approved the new ASTM Phase I environmental due diligence standard (ASTM E1527-13). In a move that caught many observers by surprise, however, the EPA stated that both the old and the new ASTM standards could be used to satisfy a party’s need to perform “all appropriate inquiry” in order to obtain defenses to property owner liability for historic contamination. There was considerable confusion over whether a party should use the old or new standard.
When it approved the use of new ASTM standard, EPA indicated that it was approving the new standard as a direct final rule for immediate use because it assumed there would be no negative public comments. The agency was wrong, and it did receive significant negative feedback to its action. The main objections were to the confusion created by allowing the use of either the old ASTM standard or the new standard.
As a result, on October 29, 2013 EPA withdrew its current approval of the new ASTM standard and now plans to approve the new standard through the more formal, and time consuming, administrative rulemaking process.
Therefore, at this time, parties looking to perform environmental due diligence should continue to use only the old ASTM standard until the USEPA formally adopts the new standard.
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As the law continues to evolve on these matters, please note that this article is current as of date and time of publication and may not reflect subsequent developments. The content and interpretation of the issues addressed herein is subject to change. Cole Schotz P.C. disclaims any and all liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the contents of this publication to the fullest extent permitted by law. This is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Do not act or refrain from acting upon the information contained in this publication without obtaining legal, financial and tax advice. For further information, please do not hesitate to reach out to your firm contact or to any of the attorneys listed in this publication.
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