On August 15, 2013, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or the Agency) promulgated proposed and direct final rules amending EPA's All Appropriate Inquiries Rule, 40 C.F.R. Part 312. This direct final rule amends the "All Appropriate Inquiries Rule" to reference ASTM International's E1527-13 "Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process," which is a standard practice recently made available by ASTM International. According to EPA, publication as a direct final rule without prior proposal is based on the need to provide additional flexibility that may benefit those seeking CERCLA landowner liability relief or recipients of Brownfields grants conducting site assessments by using the ASTM E1527-13 standard and because the Agency views this as a non-controversial action and anticipates no adverse comments....

Full access to Katten Environmental Advisory Group alerts is restricted to members. If you are interested in membership in KEAG, please email KattenEnvironmental.AdvisoryGroup@katten.com.