EPA is proposing to amend the Standards and Practices for All Appropriate Inquiries to reference a standard practice recently made available by ASTM International, a widely recognized standards development organization. Specifically, EPA is proposing to amend the All Appropriate Inquiries Rule to reference ASTM International's E2247–23 "Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process for Forestland or Rural Property" and allow for its use to satisfy the requirements for conducting all appropriate inquiries under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act. EPA is additionally proposing to remove after one year, from the All Appropriate Inquiries Rule, recognition of the previous version of that standard, ASTM E2247–16, as compliant with the All Appropriate Inquiries Rule. Written comments must be received by 11 April 2024. POC is Patricia Overmeyer, Office of Brownfields and Land Revitalizations (5105T), EPA, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC; tele: 202-566-2774; email: overmeyer.patricia@epa.gov.
(Federal Register 12 March 2024 [Proposed Rule] Pages 17804-17808)