Phase I & II Environmental Site Assessments with PFAS Sampling – RQMI, Inc.

ETC completed Phase I ESAs in accordance with ASTM E1527-21, identifying Recognized Environmental Conditions related to historic agricultural practices and prior forest operations associated with the Huron-Manistee National Forest. Based on these findings, ETC performed Phase II subsurface investigations on both properties at the owner’s request.

Phase II ESAs included PFAS/PFOA sampling of soil and groundwater to characterize environmental conditions relevant to future farming activities. Using Geoprobe® drilling methods with a remote track rig, ETC advanced soil borings and temporary monitoring wells to evaluate the shallow sand aquifer, where water table conditions ranged from 3 feet below grade on farmland to 25 feet in the forested areas. Samples were analyzed in accordance with Michigan EGLE Cleanup Criteria to assess potential impacts and exposure pathways.

To further support the property’s agricultural planning, ETC collected near-surface soils at root-depth (1–3 feet) for nutrient evaluations. Groundwater samples were obtained using low-flow techniques with a GeoTech® peristaltic pump, ensuring high-quality data for both environmental and agricultural decision-making.