The High Flyer Newsletter #96

Author

Travis Moore
January 25, 2024

Important Update on E1527-13 and E1527-21 Standards

Dear Subscribers,

We have significant news regarding the imminent expiration of the use of E1527-13 to fulfill All Appropriate Inquiries (AAI) requirements under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).

In this newsletter and upcoming posts, we will explore key differences between ASTM International's updated Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) standard, E1527-21, and its predecessor, E1527-13. In December 2022, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revised its AAI rule to reference E1527-21, which came into effect on February 13, 2023. This amendment allowed the continued use of E1527-13 for an additional year. However, as of February 14, 2024, E1527-13 will no longer meet AAI requirements under CERCLA.

While E1527-21 is not an EPA regulation and is not mandatory for AAI compliance, it has become widely recognized as the industry standard for Phase I assessments, essential for most commercial real estate transactions.

Our objective is to provide guidance and collaborate with our website users to find solutions together. Topics we will explore in upcoming newsletters encompass historical research, environmental database requirements, and areas where the new standard may require further consideration regarding the search for environmental liens and activity and use limitations.

In this newsletter, we focus on topographic maps and our approach to making them more accessible and valuable. Under the 2013 standard, environmental consultants only needed to review historical sources to identify Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs). The revised standard now requires the review of at least four historical sources (aerial photographs, topographic maps, fire insurance maps, and city directories) for both the subject property and adjoining properties.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) began topographic mapping in December 1884. Historical topographic maps are invaluable for understanding how topography and property development have evolved over time, highlighting potential risks or concerns. These maps reveal not only natural features like mountains, rivers, and vegetation but also manmade structures such as railways, buildings, utilities, and roads.

Thousands of symbols on USGS Topographic Maps represent these features. To decipher them, we encourage you to visit our Topographic Key Map, and we welcome you to contribute to enhancing it as a resource for topographic map research.

Having personally utilized topographic maps since the 1980s, I've witnessed their increasing utility due to technology. The digital era allows for the storage of thousands of maps, providing easier access and enabling in-depth analysis. Georeferencing and removing collars from the original maps make seamless navigation and comparison possible through tools like Historic Aerials. This enhances visibility and accuracy, revealing subtle details that might be missed through traditional methods. Combining historical aerial orthoimagery and USGS topographic maps fulfills a key aspect of E1527-21.

While our viewer displays collarless topographic maps, there are advantages to seeing the information contained in the collars. We provide a link to view the original map for reference.

We offer access to a comprehensive directory containing the complete collection of United States Geological Survey (USGS) Topographic Maps, ranging from the 1:250,000 scale maps to the more detailed 1:24,000 scale maps. These maps are scans of the original versions, retaining their collars, which can be valuable for identifying reprints and other details. In contrast, the topo maps available in our searchable and highly accurate web application lack collars and are limited to scales between 1:24,000 and 1:62,500. For further information about topographic maps and our extensive collection, please visit this page.

As always, we welcome suggestions (here) on ways to improve our application for a better experience and enhanced utility of our topographic maps on our website.

Thank you for being part of our community.

New Images Added

Feature Showcase

'Spot Compare' Tool With Topo Maps!

It's like a time-travel and terrain-exploring magnifying glass rolled into one. Choose two different years, or switch between real and topographic views, and glide over the map. Curious about how the Grand Canyon looked in the past and its topographical changes over the years? Just hover and discover. It's where history meets geography, revealing a fascinating blend of visual stories.

"Through the Lens"
Documentary Update

We are currently in the process of filming our documentary about the history of aerial photography. In our most recent endeavor, we took to the skies in an airplane to capture footage of aerial photography from within the cockpit. Here, you can see the aircraft as it departs from the hangar and taxis onto the runway.

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