Voluntary Cleanup Services

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Review Phase I and II Site Assessments

VCP staff review completed assessments to ensure that each assessment submitted to VCP contains all the information required to evaluate the conditions at the site. In general, environmental site assessments will contain the types of information described below:

• Phase I Site Assessments:

  • Site information: past/present site use, general site hydrogeology and site map
  • Applicant Information: past/present site ownership, applicant information, results of personal interviews conducted
  • Site Investigation: suspected source of contamination, summary of any previous environmental site assessment and brief summary of the nature and extent of contamination
  • DOEE Requires all Phase I ESA to be compliant with current ASTM guidelines

• Phase II Site Assessments:

  • Includes Investigates Recognized Environmental Conditions (REC) identified in Phase I Environmental Site
  • Detailed description of the physical characteristics of nearby properties
  • Detailed description of contaminant
  • Identification of the source of contaminant
  • Characterization of the types and concentrations of contaminants based on soil, groundwater or soil-gas sampling
  • Identification of nature of on-site contaminants of concern.
  • Provides data used to evaluate the existing and potential health and environmental impacts at the site
  • Evaluation and preliminary selection of the potential remedial action options

Provide technical advice for site assessment preparation.

VCP staff may give advice on preparing the assessment (Phase I or II) to ensure that the assessment addresses the District's regulatory requirements, soil and water quality standards.

Technical assistance provided by the VCP staff includes:

• Discussing completion of VCP application in compliance with the established protocols
• Assisting applicants in describing the scope of their project
• Providing information pertaining to DC cleanup standards for soil and groundwater

Determine VCP applicant or property eligibility.

• VCP staff will determine whether the VCP applicant satisfies the requirements to participate in the Voluntary Cleanup Program.
• VCP staff determines whether the contaminated property satisfies the requirements for cleanup under the Voluntary Cleanup Program.

Investigate contamination in VCP eligible properties.

• VCP staff may perform a detailed investigation to evaluate whether and what types of contaminants are in a property. The results of this investigation may be used to identify additional eligible properties or confirm the eligibility of a property identified by an applicant.

Review and approve plans for Comprehensive Site Assessment (CSA).

• VCP staff reviews CSA reports and requests additional data, information, or clarifications as necessary.
• VCP staff, in conjunction with the Toxic Substances Division or other interested DOEE offices approves the CSA.

Review and approve VCP cleanup plans.

• VCP staff reviews Voluntary Cleanup Action Plan (VCAP).
• VCP staff, in conjunction with the Toxic Substances Division or other interested offices, issues approval of VCAP.

Provide VCP cleanup activities oversight.

• VCP staff, in conjunction with the Toxic Substances Division or other interested offices, oversees site activities to ensure compliance with the approved VCAP.

Issue Certificates of Completion.

• Upon completion of the cleanup according to the VCAP, VCP staff will review requests for the issuance of a Certificate of Completion to the participant.

Track long-term monitoring and institutional control compliance.

• Whenever long-term monitoring or institutional control is part of the cleanup process, VCP staff will monitor compliance with the site specific requirements.

Establish institutional controls for public health and environment.

• VCP staff will determine whether institutional controls on future uses are required to protect public health and the environment.

Maintain database of cleaned properties

• As contaminated properties within the District are identified or cleaned, VCP staff will add these properties to a database. Copies of the VCP application, the certificate of completion, and a summary of the VCP project will be posted on the DOEE website when available.

Provide referrals to Brownfields Program.

• VCP will direct inquiries regarding Brownfields Program and Brownfields Site Assessment to the correct offices for assistance.

Provide education and outreach.

• VCP educates and reaches out to the citizens through educational brochures, the VCP website, and participating in community events.

Hold preapplication conferences.

• VCP staff, upon request, will meet with applicants and others to answer their questions about the VCP process and to discuss requirements and eligibility for VCP participation, application preparation, and fee payment.