A Level II Survey may be recommended or required when (1) the answer to any question on the Level I Survey Checklist is "Yes" or when no response is given, and there is insufficient information documented to conclude that no additional investigation is necessary prior to proceeding with the real property acquisition, or (2) when a bioassessment or sampling is needed to determine the presence or absence of a hazardous substance or other environmental problem. A Level II Survey may include an estimate of the remediation or other cleanup costs, if any.
Sampling at this stage might be used to fingerprint the contaminant or to determine the presence or absence of a hazardous substance or other environmental problem, rather than the extent of contamination. In addition, bioassessment techniques may be a cost-effective alternative to sampling.
It is not necessary that a Level II Survey be initiated or completed prior to commencing a Level III Survey. However, if information is readily available on the potential type of hazardous substance, it should be included in the Level II survey.
A. Definitions. See 341 FW 3.5
B. Time Limit. See 341 FW 3.8 C.
C. Areal Coverage. The acquisition of interests in large parcels of real estate can be surveyed in the same manner as that described in a Level I Survey.
D. Review and Approval. The document should be signed by its preparer. The requirements for review and approval of a Level II Survey are the same as those described in a Level I Survey.
E. Process of Submittal to PMB. The process is the same as that described in a Level I Survey.
F. Documentation Required. Each Level II Survey shall be supported by written documentation of sufficient detail to lead a reasonable person to the conclusions listed. A description and bibliography of the information used to prepare the Level II Survey should be attached. The detailed background information should include, but not be limited to, methodologies used to estimate the extent of hazardous substances or other environmental problems and the quantification of the costs of remediation or other environmental cleanup and damages, if any.
G. Retention of Records. The requirements are the same as described for a Level I Survey.
Level II Survey
Instructions and Format
A. Property Description
Identify the bureau and briefly describe the real property subject to the Level II Survey, including its name and location by county and state.
B. Issue(s)
Identify and restate issue(s) from the Level I Survey recommended for a Level II Survey.
C. Investigation Results
Describe the results of the investigation for each real property described in Section A of this Survey. The primary focus of all investigations or information collected should be the detection of the absence, presence, or extent of a hazardous substance or other environmental problem.
D. Cost Estimates
Estimate the actual or potential remediation or other environmental cleanup costs or other monetary damages, if any. The estimated costs of preparing this Survey, including the costs of studies and investigations, if necessary, should be included.
E. Documentation
Provide a description and bibliography of the information used to prepare the Survey. Attach a copy of the Level I Survey for the site.
F. Certification
One, and only one, of the following statements must be included in this section (other explanatory material should be included as needed):
1. I certify that to the best of my knowledge, no hazardous substances or other environmental problems are present on this real property, and there are no obvious signs of any effects of such substances or problems.
Signed ____________________________ Print Name ___________________________
Date_______________________________ Title_____________________________
2. The surveyed real property, or a portion thereof, contains hazardous substances or other environmental problems as determined by the environmental site assessment. The owner of that real estate has cleaned up or will clean up the hazardous substances or other environmental problems to bureau specifications (documentation of the owner's commitment, ability, and plan to clean up the property is attached). A Level III Survey is not required.
Signed ____________________________ Print Name ___________________________
Date_______________________________ Title_____________________________
3. On the basis of the information collected to complete this form it is possible to reasonably conclude that there is a potential for hazardous substances or other environmental problems, or the effects of hazardous substances or other environmental problems, to be present on this real property. A Level III Survey is recommended.
Signed ____________________________ Print Name ___________________________
Date_______________________________ Title_____________________________
4. On the basis of the information collected to complete this Survey it is possible to reasonably conclude that there is a potential for hazardous substances or other environmental problems, or the effects of hazardous substances or other environmental problems, to be present on this real property, but there is sufficient information documented to conclude that a Level III Survey is not necessary. The actual or potential remediation or other environmental cleanup costs or other monetary damages on this real property can reasonably expect to be $______________.
Signed ____________________________ Print Name ___________________________
Date_______________________________ Title_____________________________
G. Reprogramming
If remediation or other cleanup costs are estimated under Section F. 4., include a statement that a reprogramming of funds will, or will not, be required. If costs are not estimated, leave blank.
H. Approval
Final approval by the Division Chief, the Regional Director, the Director, or the Assistant Secretary - PMB, as appropriate (see 341 FW 3.11) is required on the Level II Survey report. Provide the signature, printed name, date, and title.