EnvironmentalIntermediateCalifornia Exam

What is the purpose of Phase I Environmental Site Assessment?

ATo test soil and groundwater for contamination, under California environmental disclosure law

BTo identify potential environmental contamination through records review and site inspection without samplingCorrect

CTo remediate known contamination, as required under standard hazard disclosure practice

DTo obtain government approval for development, consistent with California environmental regulations

Why To identify potential environmental contamination through records review and site inspection without sampling Is Correct

Answer B: To identify potential environmental contamination through records review and site inspection without sampling

A Phase I ESA involves reviewing historical records, regulatory databases, and conducting a site inspection to identify Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs) — potential contamination. It does NOT involve soil or groundwater sampling (that's Phase II).

Exam Tip: Environmental

Environmental questions test knowledge of hazards like asbestos, lead-based paint, radon, and mold. Know the disclosure requirements and when a professional inspection is required. CERCLA liability is strict, joint, and several.

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Key Terms to Know

Zoning

Local government regulations that control land use by dividing areas into zones specifying permitted uses, building sizes, and densities.

Variance

Official permission to use land in a way that does not conform to the applicable zoning ordinance, granted by a zoning board when strict enforcement would cause undue hardship.

Eminent Domain

The power of government to take private property for public use, with the requirement to pay the owner just compensation.

Adverse Possession

A doctrine by which a person can gain legal title to another's land by openly, continuously, and adversely occupying it for a statutory period.