Challenge
What is a Baseline Environmental Assessment (BEA) and Due Care Plan?
Solution
A Baseline Environmental Assessment (BEA) allows people to purchase or begin operating at a facility without being held liable for existing contamination. BEAs are used to gather enough information about the property being transferred so that existing contamination can be distinguished from any new releases that might occur after the new owner or operator takes over the property.
Click here for a Citizen's Guide to Baseline Environmental Assessments
While new property owners may not be responsible for clean-up of existing contamination, they have a responsibility to prevent unacceptable exposures to the contamination, prevent exacerbation of the contamination, protect against the foreseeable actions of third parties, and provide notification of abandoned containers or migration of contaminants beyond the property boundary. Property Owners fulfill their obligations by preparing and filing a Due Care Plan.
Click here for a Citizen's Guide to Due Care Plans |
