Vapor intrusion (VI) is the migration of volatile chemicals from contaminated soil or groundwater into a building or structure at concentrations that could be harmful to occupants. This issue has gained increased regulatory attention and many states have developed, or are in the process of developing, vapor intrusion guidelines, which can create new liabilities for current and prospective property owners. For example, in many states, the “No Further Action” status for historic contamination can come into jeopardy because the vapor intrusion pathway was not previously evaluated. Various notification requirements are also being developed and it is expected that regulatory requirements will only increase. As a result of these changes, many lenders have updated their due diligence requirements to specifically include an evaluation of potential vapor intrusion as part of the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) process. 

RMEC has been conducting VI investigations as part of property transactions, and in support of litigation, since 2005. RMEC senior staff members have been retained as expert witnesses and given industry presentations on VI case histories, standards and investigation practices. RMEC 's VI services include:

• Pathway and source evaluation

• Sub-slab, near-slab and soil vapor sampling

• Site-specific modeling and risk evaluation

• Indoor air testing

• Risk assessment

• Risk communications

• Mitigation

• Litigation support