A benchmark is defined as a point of reference for measurement. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) under E-50 has developed a variety of standards for environmental assessments, risk management, and corrective actions. These standards have become the accepted guidelines and methodologies used by industry and commerce as the basis for environmental management.
The International Network for Environmental Management (INEM) defines Environmental Management as "Those aspects of an overall management function, including planning, that determine and lead to implementation of an Environmental Policy." An Environmental Policy is a statement by the organization of its intentions and principles in relation to its overall environmental performance. This provides a framework for action and for the setting of its environmental objectives, targets, and goals.
Objectives and targets are established by an organization as a part of standard business practices. These range from sales targets, production goals, as well as general business strategic plans. An organization with a successful Environmental Management program will include environmental objectives. One common environmental goal is to minimize the impact of business on the environment. ASTM standards can assist organizations with obtaining these objectives by integrating environmental considerations and public concerns into the decision-making process.
An environmental assessment (EA) is a formalized, systematic, and comprehensive process for evaluating environmental issues, impacts, conditions, and concerns. There are many types of environmental assessments, which are routinely conducted. These include, but are not limited to, Transaction Screening assessments, Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site assessments, and Life Cycle assessments (LCAs). These can be applied to both strategic environmental assessments (SEAs) and project specific (focused) assessments. Strategic environmental assessments provide guidance on the implications of policies, plans, and program proposals. These are typically larger in scope and intended to promote sustainable development while minimizing impacts, liabilities, and costs. It is integrated into the earliest phase of policy, plan, or program development. A SEA is more organizationally focused. Project specific assessments will focus on a more narrow scope and typically be more quantifiable. Here end results are the primary driving force, while a SEA is a more proactive effort.
Environmental Assessments whose scope is to determine potential environmental conditions at a location are project EAs. Phase I site and Transaction Screen Process assessments established under E50 are examples of EAs which when applied to a specific commercial property are project EAs. Their goal is to identify recognized environmental conditions. A Phase I EA (standard E-1527) consists of four parts; records review, site reconnaissance, interviews, and finally an evaluation report. The first three parts are designed to support each other. An environmental professional, as defined by the standard, must conduct the Phase I assessment.
Records reviewed are those, which will help, identify environmental conditions. These records pertain to both the actual site and the surrounding area within a specified search distance. The search distance is established in the scope of the project.
