PHASE I ENVIRONMENTAL SITE ASSESSMENT

ACURA OF OAKLAND PROPERTY

277 27TH STREET
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA

For
Holland Partner Group
AECOM Job No.: 60443560
October 22, 2015

October 22, 2015

Mr. Brian McKim

Director of Construction
Holland Partner Group
4301 Hacienda Drive, Suite 250
Pleasanton, California 94588
Report
Phase I Environmental Site Assessment
Acura of Oakland
277 27th Street
Oakland, California
Dear Mr. McKim:
Presented in this report is AECOMs Phase I Environmental Site Assessment for the above-referenced
property. This report presents pertinent information obtained by documentary review and a site
reconnaissance, as well as AECOMs findings and conclusions regarding environmental conditions of the
subject property. This assessment was performed in general accordance with AECOMs proposal dated
August 17, 2015.
AECOM appreciates the opportunity to assist you on this project. Please do not hesitate to contact us if
you have any questions regarding this report or require additional assistance.
Very truly yours,
AECOM

Al Thatcher
Senior Environmental Scientist

David Raubvogel
Senior Geologist, PG, LHG
AECOM
th
1501 4 Avenue, Suite 1400
Seattle, WA 98101-1616
Tel: 206.438.2700
Fax: 206.438.2699

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0

INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................... 1
1.1

2.0

3.0

4.0

PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF WORK......................................................................1

SITE LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION ............................................................................... 4

2.1

SITE LOCATION....................................................................................................4

2.2

SITE DESCRIPTION ..............................................................................................4

TOPOGRAPHY AND HYDROGEOLOGY .......................................................................... 4

3.1

TOPOGRAPHIC SETTING ....................................................................................4

3.2

HYDROGEOLOGIC SETTING .............................................................................5

SITE HISTORY AND LAND USE ........................................................................................ 5

4.1

PREVIOUS Reports.................................................................................................5
4.1.1 AEI Consultants Phase I ESA of 304 322 24th Street and 297 27th
Street, Oakland, CA. (April 26, 2005) ........................................................5
4.1.2 AEI Consultants Phase II Subsurface Investigation Report, 304
322 24th Street, Oakland, CA. (May 12, 2011) ...........................................6
4.1.3 Alameda County Health Care Services (ACHCS) LUST
Remedial Action Completion Certification (May 12, 1995) .......................6

4.2

HISTORICAL DOCUMENT REVIEW..................................................................7

4.2.1 Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps ......................................................................7
4.2.2 City Directories ............................................................................................8
4.2.3 Aerial Photographs.......................................................................................8
4.2.4 Topographic Maps .......................................................................................9
4.2.5 Summary ......................................................................................................9

5.0

4.3

INTERVIEWS .........................................................................................................9

4.4

CLIENT PROVIDED INFORMATION .................................................................9

SITE OBSERVATIONS ........................................................................................................ 10

5.1

GENERAL CONDITIONS ...................................................................................10

5.2

UTILITIES .............................................................................................................10
i

J:\Projects\H\Holland\Acura Project Oakland CA\Ph I ESA\Deliverables\Ph I ESA Rpt - Acura of Oakland.doc

CONTENTS (Continued)
5.3

STORM WATER CONTROL ...............................................................................11

5.4

ABOVEGROUND AND UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS .....................11

5.5

HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES AND PETROLEUM PRODUCTS ....................11

5.6

DRAINS, SUMPS and pits ....................................................................................11

5.7

POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS ..................................................................12

5.8

WATER AND WASTEWATER ...........................................................................12

5.8.1 Water ..........................................................................................................12
5.8.2 Wastewater .................................................................................................12

5.9

PONDS AND LAGOONS.....................................................................................12

5.10

HYDRAULIC HOISTS .........................................................................................13

6.0

NEIGHBORING PROPERTIES ........................................................................................... 13

7.0

AGENCY DATABASE REVIEW AND CONTACTS ....................................................... 13

7.1

AGENCY DATABASE REVIEW ........................................................................13

7.2

Vapor Encroachment Screening ............................................................................15

7.2.1 Subject Property .........................................................................................15
7.2.2 Offsite Properties .......................................................................................15

7.3
8.0

AGENCY CONTACTS .........................................................................................15

FINDINGS .............................................................................................................................. 16

8.1

SUBJECT PROPERTY .........................................................................................16

8.2

PROPERTY VICINITY ........................................................................................18

9.0

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION .................................................................. 18

10.0

LIMITATIONS....................................................................................................................... 19

11.0

PROJECT PERSONNEL ....................................................................................................... 20

12.0

DECLARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROFESSIONALS ....................................... 21

13.0

REFERENCES ....................................................................................................................... 22

FIGURES

ii

CONTENTS (Continued)
Figure 1 Site Location Map
Figure 2 Site Plan

APPENDICES
Appendix A Selected Portions of Previous Reports
Appendix B Historical Documents
Appendix C Photographs
Appendix D Environmental Data Resources Report

iii

1.0

INTRODUCTION

AECOM was retained by Holland Partner Group (Holland) to perform a Phase I Environmental Site
Assessment (ESA) of the Acura of Oakland property located at 277 27th Street (subject property) in the
City of Oakland, Alameda County, California (Figure 1). AECOM understands that Holland is
considering acquisition of the property for redevelopment and desired a Phase I ESA for due diligence
purposes to document current environmental conditions.

1.1

PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF WORK

The purpose of the Phase I ESA was to assess, on the basis of readily available information, the presence
or likely presence of recognized environmental conditions (RECs) at the subject property and potential
impacts from surrounding sites or other potential concerns. The term recognized environmental
conditions, as defined by the ASTM Standard E 1527-13, means:
The presence or likely presence of any hazardous substances or petroleum products in,
on, or at a property: (1) due to any release to the environment; (2) under conditions
indicative of a release to the environment; or (3) under conditions that pose a material
threat of a future release to the environment. Conditions determined to be de minimis are
not recognized environmental conditions.
The publication of ASTM Standard E 1527-13 also includes the evaluation of environmental conditions
as a controlled REC (CREC), a historical REC (HREC), or as a de minimis condition.
A CREC is defined as:
A recognized environmental condition resulting from a past release of hazardous
substances or petroleum products that has been addressed to the satisfaction of the
applicable regulatory authority (for example, as evidenced by the issuance of a no further
action letter or equivalent, or meeting risk-based criteria established by regulatory
authority), with hazardous substances or petroleum products allowed to remain in place
subject to the implementation of required controls (for example, property use restrictions,
activity and use limitations, institutional controls, or engineering controls). Conditions
determined to be de minimis are not CRECs.
An HREC is defined as:
A past release of any hazardous substances or petroleum products that has occurred in
connection with the property and has been addressed to the satisfaction of the applicable
regulatory authority or meeting unrestricted use criteria established by a regulatory
authority, without subjecting the property to any required controls (for example, property
use restrictions, activity and use limitations, institutional controls, or engineering
controls).
A de minimis condition is defined as:
A condition that generally does not present a threat to human health or the environment and that
generally would not be the subject of an enforcement action if brought to the attention of
appropriate governmental agencies. Conditions determined to be de minimis are not RECs or
CRECs.

The assessment reviewed past and present land use practices and site operations related to the use,
storage, generation, manufacture, and disposal of hazardous substances and petroleum products at the
subject property. The site vicinity is defined as the neighboring properties and facilities within an
approximate distance of 1/4-mile of the subject property, the nature of which may adversely affect or
have affected environmental conditions at the subject property due to the presence and/or release of
hazardous substances or petroleum products to the environment.
AECOM performed the Phase I ESA in general accordance with the recommended guidelines established
by ASTM International (ASTM) Standard E1527-13, Standard Practice for Environmental Site
Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process. This Phase I ESA is generally consistent
with the standards and practices set forth in Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 312 for All
Appropriate Inquiry (AAI) - Final Rule, as updated on December 30, 2013. Adherence to a particular
financial or other institution's protocols or guidelines was not requested.
AECOMs scope of work included the following elements:
x

Review of pertinent, available documents and maps concerning local geologic and
hydrogeologic conditions.

Review and interpretation of available historical aerial photographs of the subject property and
vicinity for selected years back to 1940 or since initial site development, whichever is a greater
period, from the AECOMs San Francisco office library and/or other readily available sources.

Review and interpretation of available archival topographic maps and historical land use maps
(e.g., Sanborn Fire Insurance) and business directories (e.g., Polk's Directories) of the subject
property and the subject property vicinity for information about historical site land use that
could have involved the manufacture, generation, use, storage and disposal of petroleum
products and hazardous materials/wastes.

Performance of a site reconnaissance of the subject property to make visual observations of

existing site conditions and activities at the subject property and in the property vicinity.

Review of current county, state, and federal lists of known or potential hazardous waste sites
and landfills, and sites currently under investigation located within search distances of the
subject property as specified in ASTM E1527-13 (ranging from the subject property itself up to
a 1-mile radius depending on the nature of the list reviewed), including:
-

United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Priorities ("Federal

Superfund") List (NPL - 1-mile radius)
EPA Delisted NPL List (1/2-mile radius)
EPA NPL Liens List (subject property)
EPA Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Information
System (CERCLIS) and CERCLIS No Further Remedial Action Planned (NFRAP) Lists
(1/2-mile radius)
EPA Emergency Response Notification System (ERNS) List (subject property)
EPA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) List (subject property and
adjoining)
EPA RCRA Corrective Action (CORRACTS) Treatment, Storage, and Disposal (TSD)
Facilities List (1-mile radius)
EPA Institutional and Engineering Controls databases (subject property and adjoining
properties)
EPA Brownfields Sites (1/2-mile radius)

EPA Listing of Tribal Underground Storage Tanks (UST) Sites

EPA Listing of Tribal Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) Sites
State and Tribal lists of hazardous waste sites (subject property)
State and Tribalequivalent NPL sites list (1-mile radius)
State and Tribalequivalent CERCLIS sites list (1/2-mile radius)
State Listing of Registered USTs (subject property and adjoining properties)
State LUST Sites List (1/2-mile radius)
State - Hazardous Sites List (1-mile radius)
State Institutional and Engineering Controls databases (subject property and adjoining
properties)
State Voluntary Cleanup/Toxic Cleanup Program Sites (1/2-mile radius)
State List of Active Landfills and/or Solid Waste Disposal Sites (1/2-mile radius)
State Brownfields Sites (1/2-mile radius)
State List of Active Landfills (1/2-mile radius)

Interviews with available owner and occupant representatives for information about the land
use history of the subject property and past and present practices regarding use, storage, and
disposal of petroleum products and hazardous materials and wastes.

Requested and reviewed information from the ESA report User as outlined in the Users
Responsibilities section of the ASTM E152713 guidelines including:
-

Telephone/email inquiries to selected municipal, county, and state regulatory agencies and
utilities for information about building or environmental permits, environmental violations or
incidents, and status of enforcement actions at the site. Agency contacts included the
following:
-

Title and judicial records review information for activity and use limitations including liens
and institutional and engineering controls
Specialized or actual environmental knowledge and experience of the User; commonly
known information from the User
Relationship of the purchase price of the property to fair market value for comparable noncontaminated properties
Reason for performing the Phase I ESA

Alameda County Environmental Health Department

City of Oakland Fire Department
California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal EPA) Department of Toxic Substances
Control (DTSC) Envirostor Database
Cal EPA Regional Water Quality Control Board San Francisco Bay Region (RWQCB)
Geotracker Database
United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), Region 9, My Property Info
web site.

Preparation of this report describing the research performed and presenting AECOMs findings,
recommendations, and professional opinions about the potential for environmental
contamination at the site.

It was not in the requested or authorized scope of work and AECOM did not conduct an assessment of
indoor air quality, seismic hazards, radon, lead in drinking water, mold, or structural/ mechanical or

electric systems within the building; or other activities not expressly described in the written scope of
services. A Phase II Site Investigation was conducted by AECOM and will be submitted under separate
cover.

2.0
2.1

SITE LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION

SITE LOCATION

The subject property is located at 277 27th Street in the City of Oakland, Alameda County, California
(Figure 1). The subject property is situated northwest of the intersection of 24th & 27th Streets, and east
of Valdez Street.
The property is bounded on the northeast by VIP Auto Collision repair and Alcoholics
Anonymous/Financial Fitness Center and 27th Street, beyond which is Kelly Paper (retail store), Label Art
of California (art graphics and printing) and a church; and to the southeast by Whole Foods
(supermarket). To the south is Autotrends Collision Repair and DAM Sport, and 24th Street, beyond
which are vacant commercial buildings and residential properties. To the west are two parking lots used
by car dealerships, beyond which is Valdez Street. Land use in the site vicinity consists primarily of
commercial/retail and consumer service operations, with some multi-family residential.

2.2

SITE DESCRIPTION

The subject property consists of a triangular-shaped approximately 2.4-acre parcel developed with an
automobile dealership and service center (Acura of Oakland). Surface parking lots are located on the
north and southern portions of the property. The subject property has been assigned Alameda County
Assessors Parcel Nos. (APN): 8-671-23-3, 8-671-24, 8-671-25, and 8-671-20-1.
Site improvements include two slab-on-grade buildings consisting of an approximately 28,000 square
foot two story warehouse constructed in 1930, and a two-story car dealership building constructed in 1986
(Figure 2). Paved areas are present to the east, north, west and south of the building, with the main
entrance to the subject property located off of 27th Street. The buildings are constructed of concrete with
wooden truss roofing systems. The dealership includes automotive sales, service, repair and
warehousing.
An abandoned culvert runs beneath the eastern property boundary and reportedly measures approximately
12 feet wide by 5 feet in depth.

3.0
3.1

TOPOGRAPHY AND HYDROGEOLOGY

TOPOGRAPHIC SETTING

Based on the United States Geological Survey (USGS) topographic map (Figure 1), the site ranges in
elevation from approximately 16 to 14 feet above mean sea level (msl). The Site is generally flat with a
slight gradient to the south and east. To the northeast the terrain slopes fairly steeply upward to an
elevation of approximately 100 feet msl, and to the north northwest the terrain slopes gently upward to an
elevation of approximately 25 feet msl.

The nearest surface water body is the Glen Echo Creek which is indicated as an open channel north of the
site. The creek apparently is within a culvert adjacent to the subject property and drains to Lake Meritt
approximately 900 feet to the southeast (Figure 1). The 1903 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map depicted
Cemetery Creek (dry in summer) running along the east side of the subject property paralleling 27th
Street. The 1911 Sanborn map shows an unnamed water course crossing near the center of the subject
property, including the approximate alignment of the culvert which was indicated as an inactive feature
that was formerly used to divert Echo Glen Creek (AEI, 2011).

3.2

HYDROGEOLOGIC SETTING

The subject property area is underlain by fill consisting of gravels, sands, and clays to 8 feet in depth.
The fill is underlain by native soil consisting of fluvial/lacustrine type deposits. These deposits are
characterized by dark brown to gray to greenish gray silts, sands and clays. Groundwater was
encountered between approximately 4 to 8 feet below ground surface (bgs). Groundwater flow is inferred
to be predominantly to the south, with southeasterly to southwesterly components.

4.0

SITE HISTORY AND LAND USE

The history of activities on the subject property was developed by review of a previous environmental
report, historical documents, and a questionnaire completed by the client.

4.1

PREVIOUS REPORTS

Previous environmental reports and information for the subject property were obtained from Holland.
Selected portions of these prior reports are provided in Appendix A and a summary of the significant
findings is provided below.

4.1.1

AEI Consultants Phase I ESA of 304 322 24th Street and 297 27th Street, Oakland,
CA. (April 26, 2005)

AEI conducted a Phase I ESA at the property in 2005 (AEI, 2005) for United Commercial Bank.
Historical research indicated that the site was occupied by a warehouse in the early 1930s, with
occupants through the present that included United Parcel Service (UPS), a furniture company, a
tropical fish company, a Dodge dealership, muffler shop, radiator shop, automobile detailing and
most recently an Acura dealership. The muffler shop operated in the northern portion of the
warehouse from the mid -1980s to 1990s. Hazardous waste was generated including waste oil,
part washing solvents and paints and thinners.
The current car dealership operations included vehicle washing and detailing. A ground
penetrating radar (GPR) survey was conducted in the area of the wash bay, and no evidence of an
oil/water separator or underground holding tank were identified.
Environmental concerns identified included the potential for underground storage tanks (USTs)
within the vehicle storage warehouse building and the historic use of petroleum products and
solvents in auto repair operation. (Figure 2). At least four access ports similar in configuration to
5

clean-outs for drainage or sewer systems, or fill ports for USTs were observed in the warehouse
portion of the subject property. One of these access ports was labeled LJ Kruse Company, ABC
Oil Burner. A GPR survey was conducted in the warehouse and in the wash bay/detailing area to
assess for USTs and an oil/water separator. USTs and oil/water separators were not identified
during this geophysical survey. One push probe boring was also completed next to the
northernmost sewer cleanout in this building and petroleum contamination was noted to 5 feet in
depth which could have been associated with the muffler shop operation in this portion of the
warehouse.
A leaking 100-gallon waste oil UST (Figure 2) was removed in 1989 and according to the leaking
UST (LUST) database had received a case closed status as of 1995 (see Section 4.1.3). Based on
the age of the buildings, potential asbestos containing materials were suspected. Contaminated soil
discovered in the culvert in 1989 was excavated and disposed of offsite (Alameda County Health
Care Services (ACHCS), 1995). The source of the contamination was thought to be associated with
the auto-related business in the area. The culvert was thought to be used as a diversion for Glen
Echo Creek.
The AEI Phase I ESA concluded that RECs associated with the subject property were identified,
and recommended a limited subsurface investigation be performed.
4.1.2

AEI Consultants Phase II Subsurface Investigation Report, 304 322 24th Street,
Oakland, CA. (May 12, 2011)

AEI conducted a Phase II investigation at the property in 2011 (AEI, 2011) to assess whether
historic onsite operations had affected the subsurface conditions. Six soil borings (SB-1 through
SB-6) were completed in the vehicle storage warehouse to depths ranging from eight to twelve feet
bgs. Low concentrations of diesel and motor oil range petroleum hydrocarbons were detected in
the soil samples collected at 7 to 8 feet in depth. One groundwater sample (SB-2) also detected
petroleum hydrocarbons. Groundwater was noted at approximately 5 to 7 feet in depth. With the
exception of acetone, no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were detected in soil or groundwater.
4.1.3

Alameda County Health Care Services (ACHCS) LUST Remedial Action

Completion Certification (May 12, 1995)

The ACHCS letter indicated that the site investigation and remedial action for the former 100gallon underground waste oil storage tank at the property was completed satisfactorily. The
further stated that no further action related to the UST release would be required. The 100-gallon
waste oil UST was removed in March 1989 and three groundwater monitoring wells were
subsequently installed. Groundwater was noted at depths ranging from 3.7 to 5.1 feet bgs.
Groundwater was sampled for 17 rounds and the only well (OW-3 located next to the former tank)
had slightly elevated levels of petroleum hydrocarbons. One of the groundwater wells currently
remains on the subject property and is referred to as OW-1 (Figure 2). The groundwater flow
direction was inferred be towards the south to southwest.
Additional historic information regarding the waste oil UST removed in 1989 indicated that
contaminated soils were excavated during the tank removal, and subsequent groundwater
monitoring detected petroleum hydrocarbon impacts to groundwater. Groundwater monitoring was
conducted periodically up to 1994 until the ACHCS closed the case.
6

The letter also summarized work completed within the culvert located beneath the eastern portion
of the property. The abandoned culvert was reportedly 12.6 feet with by 4.5 feet deep. Two water
samples were collected from within the culvert and soil from nine locations in the culvert were
detected petroleum contamination. In 1989, the culvert was drained and cleaned and materials
disposed offsite as hazardous waste; however new fluid reportedly entered the culvert, indicating it
is not abandoned/out-of-use. The culvert was thought to drain to Lake Merritt.
4.2

HISTORICAL DOCUMENT REVIEW

AECOM reviewed readily available historical data pertaining to the Subject Property. These
references were reviewed for evidence of activities that would suggest the potential presence of
hazardous substances at the Subject Property and to evaluate the potential for the property to be
impacted by offsite sources of contamination. Historical sources are provided in Appendix B.
Historical documents reviewed included aerial photographs, topographic maps, city directories, fire
insurance maps (Sanborn Maps where available), and other relevant documents that were obtained
from Environmental Data Resources (EDR).
Specific historical documents reviewed include the following:

4.2.1

Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps 1889, 1903, 1911, 1950, 1952, 1954, 1959, 1962, 1967 & 1970

USGS Topographic Maps dated 1895, 1915, 1948/49, 1959, 1968, 1973, 1980 and 1993

City Directories dated 1967, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1986, 1991, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2006, 2008, and
2013.

Aerial photographs dated 1939, 1946, 1958, 1962, 1968, 1974, 1993, 2005, 2009, 2010 and
2012

Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps

AECOM reviewed available fire insurance maps providing coverage of the subject property from EDR.
The following observations were made from the fire insurance maps.
1889

The subject property was not included on this map. Nearby properties are residential.

1903

The property is occupied by residences, and the east portion of the property is indicated as
crossed by Cemetery Creek in the approximate alignment of the present day culvert.

1911

The perimeter parcels comprising the property are occupied by residences, a Merchants Express
Wagon Shed with Carriage Repair operations is near the center of the property, and a
manufacturing operation is at the north edge of the property. The surrounding area is almost
exclusively residential.

1950

UPS is in the central portion of the property, including auto repairing and painting operations,
and Ornamental Iron is present at the north corner. Auto service activities are present on the
southeast portion of the property including armature windings and the south edge. Adjacent and
surrounding properties include auto service to south and southeast across 24th street, and to the
west and northwest. Drapery and upholstering operation are indicated on the property. A
machine shop is present to the east and the surrounding properties include multiple auto repair
related operations and residential properties.

1952

There is little to no change to the subject property. There is little change in the surrounding area
with the exception of an additional adjacent auto service operation.

1954

A machine shop is now present on the subject property and there is little change in to the
surrounding area.

1962

The subject property now includes a tropical fish and pet supply operation.

1967

Significant changes were not noted to the subject property and surrounding areas.

1970

Significant changes were not noted to the subject property and surrounding areas.

4.2.2

City Directories

The subject property addresses were listed by surnames in the early directories reviewed. A gas station
was listed in the 1940s on the southeast corner of the property. Other city Directories reviewed indicated
occupants with activities similar to those described in the Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps review. In 1992,
the first listing of Acura dealership was noted.
Adjacent operations have included numerous auto service and repair operations, including at the parcels
on the same side of 24th and 27th Streets that abut the subject property; and across 24th and 27th Streets. A
dry cleaner and tire shop/service center were historically located across 24th Street to the south of the
property, the dry cleaner/dyer in the 1920s and the tire/service shop in the 1950s through at least the
1970s; as were a variety of commercial and residential properties. A gas station preceded the tire/service
shop in the 1920s through 1940s.
Based on review of Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps, current and historic subject property addresses have
included:
x On 27th Street 255, 265, 273, 275, 277, 279, 287 and 305
x On 24th Street 250, 266, 272 and 278. On later maps 280, 282, 284, 286, 306, 316 and 318 were
also included, apparently due to a renumbering of address locations.

4.2.3

Aerial Photographs

The following observations were made from the aerial photographs provided by EDR.
1939

The subject property is occupied by residential scale structures with a warehouse-scale structure
near the center of the property. A commercial-structure is present on the southeast portion of the
property and the southeast corner has structures indicative of a gas/service station including pump
canopy and a building likely for service operations. The surrounding area includes a wide variety
of commercial and residential-scale structures.

1946

A commercial-scale structure is present across 27th Street adjacent to the east of the north portion
of the property, and one to the south across 24th Street.

1958

The apparent gas station is gone from the southeast corner of the property. Some residential-scale
structures have been cleared from along the east side of the property.

1968

Few residential-scale structures remain and most of the property includes commercial scale
structures or is vacant. Multiple commercial-scale structures are present across 27th Street
adjacent to the east of the north portion of the property.

1974

A portion of the west adjacent property along Valdez Street has been cleared of residential scale
structures.

1982

Significant changes to the subject property or adjacent areas were not noted.

1993

A large commercial-scale structures now occupy the subject property. Additional west adjacent
area along Valdez Street has been cleared of residential scale structures.

2005

The south portion of the subject property, and west and south adjacent parcels, have been cleared
of all but one residential-scale structures.

2009, 2010 & 2012

apparent.

4.2.4

Significant changes to the subject property or adjacent properties were not

Topographic Maps

AECOM reviewed available topographic maps covering the subject property. The following observations
were made of the subject property and site vicinity from these maps.
1899

Development specific to the subject property is not illustrated. 27th and 24th Streets are illustrated
adjacent to the northeast and south of the subject property respectively. Several residential scale
structures are depicted to the west of the property, along the east side of Valdez Street.

1915 and 1948

Development specific to the subject property is not illustrated. Scattered residentialscale structures are located on nearby properties.
1949

Development specific to the subject property is not illustrated. A church and commercial scale
structures are illustrated across 27th Street to the northeast of the property. Glen Echo Creek is
apparent extending to the north from the north side of 27th Street.

1959 & 1968

4.2.5

Significant changes were not noted to the subject property and surrounding areas.

Summary

The subject property historically has been developed with a number of automotive service operations
from at least the 1930s through the present. The current showroom area in the southeastern corner of the
property formerly included a gas station operation in the late 1930s to 1940s. Car dealership operations
began in the late 1980s. Other occupants through the present have included Merchant Express, UPS,
furniture & drapery operations, tropical fish and pet company, muffler shop, radiator shop and automobile
detailing operations.

4.3

INTERVIEWS

The site was occupied by Acura of Oakland at the time of the site reconnaissance. Mr. Brad Walton,
Business Manager and owner representative for Acura of Oakland was interviewed regarding current and
historic use of the subject property and chemical use. Information provided by Mr. Walton is discussed in
applicable report sections.

4.4

CLIENT PROVIDED INFORMATION

As part of conducting environmental due diligence, in accordance with ASTM Standard E1527-13, the
user of the assessment is required to help identify potential environmental concerns in connection with
the property. In an effort to meet this requirement, AECOM requested Holland provide the following
information:
x

Specialized knowledge or experience regarding the subject property

Commonly known or reasonably ascertainable information regarding the subject property

Information regarding environmental liens or property use limitations on the subject property

Reason for conducting the Phase I ESA

Mr. Brian McKim, Director of Construction for Holland, completed a user provided information
questionnaire addressing the above information. The database review conducted by EDR included a
review of a state list of Institutional Controls (ICs), and federal lists of ICs and engineering controls
(ECs). ICs or ECs were not identified for the subject property. A potential sales price for the property
was not evaluated to compare to surrounding fair market values, such that it would indicate whether a
potential environmental concern was indicated.
AECOM understands that Holland is considering purchase of the subject property and desires the Phase I
ESA for documentation of current environmental conditions.

5.0

SITE OBSERVATIONS

Mr. Brad Walton, Business Manager of Acura of Oakland, provided access to the property, escorted
AECOM on our site reconnaissance and answered questions regarding the site operations. Mr. Erik Skov,
Senior Geologist of AECOM conducted the site reconnaissance on September 8, 2015. Selected
photographs from the site reconnaissance are provided in Appendix C.

5.1

GENERAL CONDITIONS

The subject property consists of a triangular-shaped approximately 2.4-acre parcel developed with an
automobile dealership, including automotive maintenance and repair services and surface parking.
Operations observed did not include collision repair/body work or painting.
The subject property is occupied with two slab-on-grade buildings, an approximately 28,000 square foot
two-story warehouse reportedly constructed in 1930, and a two-story car dealership building reportedly
constructed in 1986 (Figure 2). The warehouse building is of concrete construction with wood truss roof
support system and the interior includes wood and lathe and plaster. The dealership building is concrete,
cinder block and brick construction with wood truss and composite beam roof support systems. The
building includes wood and drywall finishes.
The Acura dealership reportedly began operations at the property in 1986. Paved areas are present to the
east and south of the warehouse building, and north and west of the dealership building. The main
entrance to the subject property is located off of 27th Street. The buildings are occupied by various
vehicle related operations including sales, service, repair, detailing and warehousing.

5.2

UTILITIES

Natural gas and electricity are provided to the subject property by Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
Municipal potable water supply and sanitary sewer services are provided to the subject property by the
East Bay Municipal Utilities District (EBMUD). Roof-mounted natural gas-fired equipment provides
heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) to the buildings.

10

5.3

STORM WATER CONTROL

Storm water from the building roof and paved areas appear to be routed to catch basins that were
observed in the paved areas of the subject property, which likely connect to storm drain lines located in
the street.
An abandoned culvert runs beneath the eastern property boundary and reportedly is approximately 12.6
feet wide by 4.5 feet in depth. The culvert was thought to be used as a diversion for Glen Echo Creek
which runs along the eastern side of the property. It is not known if stormwater from the site discharges
to the culvert.

5.4

ABOVEGROUND AND UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS

Four aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) were observed at the property and are summarized below:
CONTENTS

VOLUME
(gallons)

Motor Oil

360

Waste Oil

360

Automatic Transmission Fluid

120

Waste Antifreeze

170

The ASTs appear to be in good condition and are located inside the building. AECOM did not observe
fill ports, vent pipes or access ways that would have indicated existing USTs during our site
reconnaissance. The apparent fill ports were observed that were referenced in the prior Phase I ESA (AEI,
2005) and were not thought to be associated with USTs. A former 100-gallon waste oil UST was located
in the area currently occupied by the showroom (Figure 2) as discussed in Section 4.1.3.

5.5

HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES AND PETROLEUM PRODUCTS

Chemicals of the type and volume typical of car maintenance and repair operations were observed. ASTs,
55-gallon drums and smaller containers with motor oil, gear oil, general lubricants, automatic
transmission fluid (ATF), brake fluid, antifreeze, brake cleaner/degreaser and detailing chemicals were
observed. Housekeeping in the vehicle servicing areas was noted to be generally good.
Hazardous and universal wastes generated included waste oil, waste oil and fuel filters, antifreeze,
automatic transmission fluid, brake fluid, solvent, aerosol cans, batteries, tires and fluorescent lamps.
Wastes generated are reportedly disposed offsite by waste handling, recycling and disposal vendors.
A California Environmental Reporting System (CERS) Submittal Summary, and Hazardous Materials
and Wastes Inventory Matrix Report documented these materials and wastes associated with the facility.

5.6

DRAINS, SUMPS AND PITS

As indicated in Section 5.3, storm water catch basins were observed in the paved areas around the
building. AECOM did not observe staining, suspicious odors, or sheen on standing water in the catch

11

basins that would have indicated significant releases of hazardous substances or petroleum products to the
stormwater catch basins.
Surface drains were observed inside the building in the detail, warehouse and dealership areas. At least
two of the drains were observed to have sumps associated with them. It is likely that these drains
discharge to the sanitary sewer but this was not confirmed.

5.7

POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS

One pad mounted liquid-filled transformer is located at the southwest corner of the vehicle service area of
the building. The transformer had a label indicating serial number T-4607, and was not labeled regarding
PCB content. Additionally, no staining or evidence of a release of oil from the transformer was observed
on the cement pad or in the area surrounding the transformer. No other liquid filled transformers or
hydraulically operated equipment (e.g. loading dock levelers or trash compactors) was observed during
the site reconnaissance. In ground hoists hydraulic hoists are present in the service area, nine of which
were installed by Acura. Based on the age of these hoist, it is unlikely that PCB containing oil was used in
these features.

5.8
5.8.1

WATER AND WASTEWATER

Water

Potable water is supplied to the subject property by EBMUD. No water supply wells were observed at
the subject property at the time of the site reconnaissance. One groundwater monitoring well (OW-1) was
observed in the outdoor parking area located north of the vehicle service area. This well was installed in
1989 as part of the assessment during the waste oil UST removal. Two additional monitoring wells (OW2 and OW-3) were installed at that time in the area of the Acura of Oakland showroom. These wells were
likely decommissioned during the construction of the showroom.
Two monitoring wells were also observed on the adjacent parking lot property to the west (Figure 2).
Information regarding these wells was not readily available, however, the prior Phase I ESA (AEI, 2005)
conjectured that these well could be associated with a LUST site located on the west side of Valdez
Street.

5.8.2

Wastewater

Sanitary wastewater at the subject property from sinks and bathrooms discharges to the EBMUD.
Process wastewater generation observed at the subject property included car washing. Reportedly no
engine steam cleaning or degreasing is conducted at the property. Process waste water from previous site
operations may have been discharged to this drain system.

5.9

PONDS AND LAGOONS

Ponds or lagoons were not observed at the subject property during the site reconnaissance.

12

5.10

HYDRAULIC HOISTS

Nine in ground air over hydraulic hoists are located in the vehicle service area as shown on Figure 2. A
total of seven above ground hoists are also present in the vehicle service area. The in ground hoists were
reportedly installed during Acura ownership of the site. No external hydraulic reservoirs were observed
associated with the in ground hoists.

6.0

NEIGHBORING PROPERTIES

Land use in the site vicinity consists primarily of commercial consumer services / office, and some multifamily residential. A summary of neighboring properties is provided below.
x

Northeast: 27th Street, beyond which are a church, Label Art store and Kelly Paper Auto

Collision repair and Alcoholics Anonymous are located on the same side of the street as
Acura of Oakland.
x

24th Street, beyond which are a vacant former tire store and multi-family
residential buildings. On the same side of 24th Street as the subject property, a
Autotrends Collision repair facility and DAM Sport, are located between the Acura
vehicle service area and the vehicle parking area.

West: Vehicle parking for car dealerships. Two groundwater monitoring wells were observed
in the vehicle parking area located west of the subject property.

South:

7.0

AGENCY DATABASE REVIEW AND CONTACTS

URS reviewed databases and contacted agencies to identify potential concerns related to hazardous
materials/wastes or petroleum products.

7.1

AGENCY DATABASE REVIEW

URS reviewed databases and contacted agencies to identify potential concerns related to hazardous
materials/wastes or petroleum products. A review of applicable regulatory agency documents and lists of
known or potential hazardous waste sites or landfills, and properties or facilities currently under
investigation for potential environmental violations was conducted to identify properties or facilities
located within a search distance of up to 1-mile of the subject property that may have the potential to
adversely affect environmental conditions at the subject property. The EPA and other agency documents
and lists were reviewed for the search distances specified in ASTM E1527-13 at a minimum.
Environmental Data Resources, Inc. (EDR) provided this information from a computerized database
search for the subject property and sites within applicable ASTM radii of the subject property (Appendix
D).
For the purpose of addressing the relative location of other facilities to the subject property, AECOM has
inferred the groundwater flow to be southerly to southwesterly based on local topography and historic
groundwater data.

13

Although the current subject property address is 277 27th Street, based on review of historic Sanborn Fire
Insurance Maps, the addresses 255 27th Street and 250 24th Street, also applied to the subject property, and
were identified by the database review as follows:
x

EDR Sites A1 through A5 Oakland Acura and Lundgren GF These sites were identified on
the LUST, Alameda County Contaminated Sites (CS), HIST CORTESE, HAZNET, EMI,
RCRA SQG and EDR Historical Auto Stations databases. The LUST listing indicates a LUST
case at the subject property address of 255 27th Street, the southeast corner of the property, with
the status of the site case begin date of 1989, diesel in groundwater, and a status of Completed
Case Closed as of May 12, 1995. The RCRA HAZNET and SQG listings document
hazardous substance generation associated with the Acura Dealership including oil-containing
wastes. The Historical auto stations database indicates a gas and oil service station operation by
the name of GF Lundgren in 1943, on the property at 250 24th Street, also the southeast corner
of the property. The EMI listing documents air pollution emissions sources associated with the
Acura Dealership. Details regarding the CORTESE and Alameda County CS listings were not
provided.

Orphan List - The subject property address of 255 27th Street was also identified on the Orphan
List The listing indicated the subject property on the Recovered Government Archives (RGA)
LUST list for the years 2007 through 2012. Other details for the RGA listing were not
provided.

Adjacent properties identified by the database review were as follows:

x

EDR Sites A6 through B10, and D17 adjacent to the property across 27th and 24th Streets
These sites were identified on the historical auto station database, with historic service and
refueling operations. These properties were not identified on databases of confirmed or
suspected contaminated sites.

EDR Sites A11 and A12 - Label Art and Acura Dealership, adjacent to the east across 27th
Street at 290 and 294 27th Street These sites was identified on the LUST, Alameda County
CS, SWEEPS UST, EMI, Hist CORTESE, databases, which indicated a status of Completed
Case Closed, as of April 2, 1996 and November 18, 1994, respectively.

EDR Site B15 Gestetner Corp, adjacent to the north across 27th Street On the RCRA SQG
database. This property was not identified on databases of confirmed or suspected
contaminated sites.

Sites were not identified within -mile with documented contamination and inferred upgradient of the
subject property. The remaining sites listed in the EDR database report are considered to have a low

potential to have impacted environmental conditions at the subject property because of one or more
of the following factors: the reported site status, absence of reported release, absence of reported
groundwater impact from the reported release, the distance from the subject property, and/or the
inferred hydrogeologic cross/downgradient location from the subject property.
Fifteen (15) unmapped orphan sites were also identified in the EDR database report. Unmapped orphan
sites are facilities/locations that have not been plotted on a map based on lack of sufficient data regarding
their exact location within the general area. Based on the location descriptions provided with the Orphan
sites, AECOM did not identify Orphan sites with a significant potential to have adversely affected the
subject property.

14

7.2

VAPOR ENCROACHMENT SCREENING

7.2.1

Subject Property

In order to evaluate the potential migration of hazardous substances or petroleum products in vapor,
AECOM conducted a Vapor Encroachment Screening (VES). The purpose of the VES is to determine
whether a potential Vapor Encroachment Condition (VEC) exists, likely exists, cannot be ruled out, or can
be ruled out because a VEC does not or is not likely to exist. The VES is not an exhaustive screening and is
intended to reduce, but not eliminate, uncertainty regarding whether a VEC exists in connection with a
property. The VES considered whether known or suspected soil or groundwater contamination was located
on the subject property or within a search distance of the subject property specified in ASTM E 2600-10
(ASTM International 2010).
No on-site confirmed sources of vapor encroachment (e.g. soil or groundwater contaminated with VOCs)
were identified by the database review or within the previous environmental reports. Based on the use of
solvents and degreasers during historic automotive site operations, a VEC could exist as a result of onsite
operations.

7.2.2

Offsite Properties

AECOM reviewed the environmental database review report with particular focus on the following two
types of sites:
1. Offsite properties that are impacted by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and/or semi-volatileorganic compounds (SVOCs) and are located within approximately 1,760 feet of the subject
property, and
2. Offsite properties that are impacted by petroleum hydrocarbons and are located within
approximately 530 feet of the subject property.
The following summarizes the results of AECOMs VES for the subject property. A review of the
environmental database review report indicates that a number of sites within 1,760 feet of the property are
on lists of confirmed or suspected contaminated sites. However:
x Many of those sites can be ruled out due to their regulatory status (i.e. regulatory closure has been
issued), and
x The remaining can be ruled out due to their media impacted (i.e. lack of identified groundwater
contamination), and/or topographical position from the subject property and/or presence of
physical barrier impeding potential migration of vapors to the subject property.

7.3

AGENCY CONTACTS

The agencies and other entities contacted for information related to the subject and surrounding properties
included Alameda County Environmental Health Department, City of Oakland Fire Department, Cal EPA
DTSC, Cal EPA RWQCB, and US EPA Region 9. Presented below is a listing of the various public
agencies contacted and a summary of relevant findings.
x

Alameda County Environmental Health. AECOM searched the Alameda County

Environmental Health database files for the subject property address. The subject property was

15

listed in the database as a closed LUST. The closure file contained a Remedial Action
Completion Certification that details the removal of a waste oil UST and associated
groundwater monitoring, as well as information pertaining to soil sampling and analysis and
subsequent excavation of contaminated soil from a culvert that traversed a portion of the site.
This information is discussed further in Section 4.1.3 and a copy of the Remedial Action
Completion Certification is presented in Appendix A.
x

City of Oakland Fire Department. AECOM contacted the City Fire Department regarding
environmental records for the subject property. The fire department reported they only have the
Hazardous Materials Business Plan and inspection records in fire department records.
Information from the HMBP is incorporated in Section 5.5.

Cal EPA DTSC. The DTSC Envirostor database was reviewed and subject property was not
listed on the ENVIROSTOR database.

Cal EPA RWQCB. The RWQCB GeoTracker database for the subject property address and
the previous site address 255 27th Street was searched. The 255 27th Street site address was
listed in the GeoTracker database as a LUST site with a cleanup status of Completed Case
Closed. However, there were no documents contained in the database.

US EPA Region 9. AECOM searched the US EPA Region 9 My Property Information website
for the subject property address. The subject property was listed in the Facility Registry
Service (FRS) database. The database indicated the subject property was registered in the state
hazardous waste program (has a Hazardous Materials Business Plan), is listed as a former
LUST site, and is a RCRA SQG (EPA ID Number CAD982520959).

8.0

FINDINGS

Based on the visual observations and information presented in this report, AECOM presents the following
findings and conclusions regarding the Acura of Oakland 277 27th Street property.

8.1

SUBJECT PROPERTY

Direct evidence or information suggesting that the subject property environment is currently adversely
affected by existing and/or past on-site use, storage, handling and/or disposal practices involving
hazardous materials/petroleum products was observed/ obtained by this ESA. Specific conclusions are as
follows:

Historical research indicated that the subject property land use included a number of automotive
service operations from at least the 1930s through the present. The current showroom area
formerly was formerly developed with a gas station which operated in the late 1930s to 1940s. Car
dealership operations on the property began in the 1980s. Other occupants through the present

have included Merchant Express, UPS vehicle servicing operations, furniture & drapery
operations, tropical fish and pet company, Dodge automobile dealership, muffler and
radiator shop and an automobile detailing operations.
x

A previous Phase I ESA (AEI, 2005) identified environmental concerns at the subject property
related to historical activities and site observations. Concerns identified included access ports

16

resembling cleanouts or possible UST fill ports in the warehouse building, a subsurface culvert
beneath the east side of the property which required a cleanup and the historic use of automotive
chemicals. As part of the Phase I ESA, one push probe boring was also completed next to the
northernmost sewer cleanout in the warehouse building and petroleum contamination was noted in
the soil to 5 feet bgs. The boring was located in the area of the former muffler shop. A GPR survey
was conducted in the warehouse and detailing area to assess suspect UST and oil/water separator
locations. No USTs were identified beneath the warehouse and no oil/water separators were
identified beneath the detailing area.
x

A 100-gallon waste oil UST located in the along the east wall of the showroom portion of the
building (Figure 2) was removed in 1989, and contamination was identified. Groundwater
monitoring was conducted in three monitoring wells installed to assess any groundwater quality
impacts associated with the leaking tank. Monitoring conducted from 1989 through 1994
confirmed that contamination appeared to be localized in the area adjacent to the tank at monitoring
well OW-3. Monitoring wells located downgradient from the tank (OW-1 and OW-2) did not detect
petroleum hydrocarbon contamination. Based on remedial activities and groundwater monitoring,
the ACHCS issued a Case Closure Summary letter in May of 1995 which included a Remedial
Action Completion Certification which indicated no further remedial action was required.
A culvert was identified beneath the eastern portion of the property which appears to be
associated with the Glenn Echo Creek drainage. Contaminated soil/sediment in the culvert was
cleaned up in 1989. Cleanup of the culvert occurred over 26 years ago, and the culvert was
reportedly still receiving fluids from unknown sources (AEI, 2005). Thus, it is possible that
contaminated material may have been re-deposited/accumulated in the culvert and cleanup of this
material would be required during site redevelopment.

The subject property consists of a 2.4-acre parcel occupied by the Acura of Oakland auto
dealership. The dealership operations include automotive maintenance and repair services.
Petroleum products and hazardous chemicals (e.g., degreasers and parts washer solvent) are used
and stored within the vehicle servicing area. Nine in ground hydraulic hoists are present within
the service area. No hydraulic fluid releases were reported. Operations observed did not include
collision repair/body work or painting. The property includes two main buildings, the vehicle
storage warehouse and the car dealership building (e.g., showroom, vehicle service area and parts
department, Figure 2). The Acura dealership reportedly began operations at the property in 1986.

A Phase II soil investigation was completed in 2011 to assess the environmental conditions beneath
the warehouse and detailing area. Six soil borings were advanced and relatively low concentrations
of diesel and motor oil range petroleum hydrocarbons were detected in two soil samples. Low
concentrations of diesel and motor oil range petroleum hydrocarbons were also detected in a
groundwater sample from a boring completed in the north portion of the warehouse (Appendix A).
Groundwater was noted at approximately 5 to 7 feet in depth, and with the exception of acetone, no
VOCs were detected in soil or groundwater.

The subject property was identified on the LUST, Alameda County CS, HIST CORTESE,
HAZNET, EMI, RCRA SQG and EDR Historical Auto Stations databases. The LUST listing
indicated that the site status was Completed Case Closed. The Historical auto stations database
indicates a gas and oil service station (GF Lundgren) in 1943 on the property at 250 24th Street
which is the southeastern corner of the property. The subject property was also identified on the
EDR Orphan List, which indicates that the site is on the Recovered Government Archives LUST
list

17

8.2

PROPERTY VICINITY

Direct evidence or information that the subject property environment has been adversely affected by
current or past off-site use, storage, handling and/or disposal practices involving hazardous
materials/wastes or petroleum products was not obtained during AECOMs reconnaissance and agency
database review. Specific conclusions are:
x

Historical and current surrounding site use is a mixture of commercial, light industrial, and
residential. Auto Collision repair and Alcoholics Anonymous adjoin the Acura of Oakland
property. The Autotrends Collision repair facility is located between the Acura vehicle service
area and the vehicle parking area.

The database review report identified operations adjacent across 27th and 24th Streets from the
subject property on various databases. Six sites were identified across 27th and 24th Streets as
historical auto stations. These properties were not identified on databases of confirmed or suspected
contaminated sites.

Two sites were identified adjacent to the east across 27th Street on the LUST, Alameda County CS,
SWEEPS UST, EMI, Hist CORTESE, databases. The details of the listings indicated a status of
Completed Case Closed, as of April 2, 1996 and November 18, 1994, respectively. One facility
was identified adjacent to the north across 27th Street on the RCRA SQG database. This property
was not identified on databases of confirmed or suspected contaminated sites.

Two monitoring wells were observed in the parking lot located adjacent to the west of the subject
property. These wells were thought to be associated with a LUST investigation for a site located on
the west side of Valdez Street.

9.0

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION

AECOM performed a Phase I ESA that conforms to the scope and limitations of ASTM practice E1527
13 for the property located at 277 27th Street in the City of Oakland, Alameda County, California. Any
exceptions to, or deletions from, this practice are described in the relevant sections of this report. This
assessment revealed the evidence of RECs in connection with the subject property which included the
following:
x

The historic site uses (e.g., vehicle repair and sales) which included the use and storage of
petroleum products and hazardous chemicals (e.g., degreasers and solvents) for several decades n
represent a REC. Soil contamination was identified beneath the warehouse building during a
limited investigation conducted as part of the 2005 Phase I ESA by AEI.

The historic service station located in the southeastern portion of the site is also considered to be
a REC. Although, no evidence of existing USTs was identified, based on the nature of the
historic site uses, the potential to encounter unknown USTs does exist.

The abandoned culvert is considered to be a REC as additional contaminated material may have
accumulated in this feature since the cleanup in 1989.

The former waste oil UST is considered to be a historic REC (HREC) as agency closure has been
obtained. Groundwater monitoring conducted from 1989 to 1994 identified diesel and oil range
petroleum hydrocarbons in the monitoring well (OW-3) adjacent/downgradient from the former
UST. Petroleum hydrocarbons concentration in this well declined significantly after the tank
removal, however as of the last round of sampling in 1994, they were still detected. Based on

18

these findings, some residual petroleum contamination may exist in the vicinity of the former
UST area.
AECOM advises Holland to consider performing a Phase II ESA to assess whether the soil and
groundwater quality has been affected by historic site and offsite operations. Other recommendations are
summarized below:
x

To assess the condition of the abandoned culvert, we advise conducting a TV scan of this feature
to confirm the culvert alignment and assess if significant accumulation of sediment has occurred.

Based on the age of the building, AECOM also advises that a regulated building materials (RBM)
assessment be conducted to evaluate for the presence of asbestos containing building materials
and lead coatings.

Holland should confirm that all chemicals have been removed from the property by the current
owner/operator.

10.0

LIMITATIONS

This Phase I ESA has been prepared for the exclusive use of Holland Partner Group who currently intend
to purchase the property for redevelopment. This ESA was prepared in accordance with the Scope of
Services described in AECOMs proposal. The work conducted by AECOM is limited to the services
agreed to with Holland Partner Group, and no other services beyond those explicitly stated should be
inferred or are implied.
The Phase I ESA is intended to provide an understanding of the potential for the property evaluated in this
report to have been affected by the release or presence of hazardous materials or wastes or petroleum
products from current or previous site use. The conclusions in this report are based upon data and
information reviewed as outlined herein and obtained during a reconnaissance of the subject property by
AECOM personnel, and the observed conditions of adjacent properties on the date of such visit. The
conclusions presented in this report are professional opinions based solely upon indicated data described
in this report, visual observations of the subject property and vicinity, and AECOMs interpretation of the
available historical information and documents reviewed. They are intended exclusively for the purposes
outlined herein and the subject property location and project indicated. In evaluating the subject property,
AECOM has also relied upon representations and information furnished by individuals noted in the report
with respect to existing operations and property conditions and the historic uses of the property to the
extent that the information obtained has not been contradicted by data obtained from other sources.
Accordingly, AECOM accepts no responsibility for any deficiency, misstatements or inaccuracy
contained in this report as a result of misstatements, omissions, misrepresentations, or fraudulent or
incomplete information provided by others.
At the time of the site reconnaissance the site was occupied by the Acura of Oakland automobile
dealership. Visual inspection of much of the ground surface both within the building and in exterior
paved areas was not observable due to equipment storage and parked vehicles.
It should be recognized that this study was not intended to be a definitive investigation of contamination
at the subject property and the conclusions provided are not necessarily inclusive of all the possible
conditions. Given that the scope of services for this investigation was limited and that exploratory
borings, soil and/or groundwater sampling was not undertaken, it is possible that currently unrecognized
subsurface contamination may exist at the subject property. AECOM makes no representations regarding
the value or marketability of the subject property or the suitability for any particular use, and none should
be inferred based on this report.

19

Opinions and recommendations presented herein apply to the subject property conditions existing at the
time of our site reconnaissance and cannot necessarily apply to subject property changes of which
AECOM is not aware and has not had the opportunity to evaluate. Changes in the conditions of this
property may occur with time due to natural processes or the works of man on the subject property or
adjacent properties. Changes in applicable standards may also occur as a result of legislation or the
broadening of knowledge. Accordingly, the findings of this report may be invalidated, wholly or in part,
by changes beyond our control.
AECOMs objective is to perform our work exercising the customary standard of care, in accordance with
the standard for professional services for a national consulting firm at the time these services are
provided. It is important to recognize that even the most comprehensive scope of services may fail to
detect environmental liability on a particular site. Therefore, AECOM cannot act as insurers and cannot
certify or underwrite that a site is free of environmental contamination, and no expressed or implied
representation or warranty is included or intended in our reports except that our work was performed,
within the limits prescribed by our client, in accordance with the customary and professional standard of
care described herein.

11.0

PROJECT PERSONNEL

This Phase I ESA site visit was conducted by Mr. Erik Skov, Senior Geologist; the assessment was
conducted and report prepared by Mr. Al Thatcher. Mr. David Raubvogel, Senior Geologist, provided
technical direction and review. A brief description of their qualifications is presented below.
Mr. Skov has a Bachelor's degree in Geology and 27 years of experience working with
hazardous/regulated materials, including conducting and managing hundreds of ESAs in and around the
San Francisco Bay Area at manufacturing and industrial facilities, commercial and high rise buildings,
power generation facilities, transportation corridors, apartment complexes, agricultural land and facilities,
gas stations, automobile dealership and repair facilities, and undeveloped parcels of land. He has
conducted and managed many soil, soil gas, and groundwater investigations, site remediation
development and implementation, and environmental compliance audits. He is Licensed Geologist and
Certified Hydrogeologist in the state of California.
Mr. Thatcher has a Bachelor's degree in Natural Resource Studies and 31 years of experience working
with hazardous / regulated materials, including conducting and managing over 900 ESAs, soil and
groundwater quality investigations, environmental and health and safety compliance audits, and asbestos
and lead paint surveys at manufacturing and industrial facilities, military complexes, power generation
facilities, transportation corridors, apartment complexes, agricultural tracts and facilities, gas stations and
automobile repair facilities, scrap yards and undeveloped parcels of land.
Mr. Raubvogel has a Bachelors and a Masters degree in geology and 31 years of experience conducting
and managing Phase I ESAs and soil/groundwater remedial investigations and remedial actions. He is a
Licensed Geologist in Washington and Wyoming.

20

12.0

DECLARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROFESSIONALS

We declare that to the best of our professional knowledge and belief, we meet the definition of
Environmental Professional as defined in 40 Code Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 312. We have the
specific qualifications based on education, training, and experience to assess a property of the nature,
history, and setting of the subject property. We have developed and performed the all appropriate
inquiries in general conformance with the standards and practices set forth in 40 CFR Part 312, subject to
the limitations as described in this report and the authorized scope of work.

____________________________

_____________________________

Al Thatcher
Senior Environmental Scientist

David Raubvogel
Senior Geologist, PG

21

13.0

REFERENCES

AEI Consultants, 2005. Phase I ESA of 304 322 24th Street and 297 27th Street, Oakland, CA. April 26.
AEI, 2011. Phase II Subsurface Investigation Report, 304 322 24th Street, Oakland, CA. May 12.
Alameda County Health Care Services, 1995. LUST Remedial Action Completion Certification, with Case
Closure Summary. May 12.
American Society of Testing and Materials International (ASTM), 2013. Standard Practice for
Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process, Standard
E1527-13.
Environmental Data Resources, Inc. (EDR). 2015. Radius Map Report with GeoCheck, Inquiry No.
4395892.2s, dated August 28, 2015.
______. 2015. Aerial Photo Decade Package, Inquiry No. 4395892.9, dated August 28, 2015.
______. 2015. City Directory Abstract Inquiry No. 4395892.5, dated August 28, 2015.
______. 2015. Historic Sanborn Map Report Inquiry No. 4395892.3, dated August 28, 2015.
______. 2015. Historic Topographic Map Report Inquiry No. 4395892.4, dated August 28, 2015.
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), 2012. Oakland West, California, 7.5-Minute Quadrangle.

22

FIGURES

60443560_01.ai

Oakland

Site

Source: USGS 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle, Oakland West, California, 2015

2,000
Scale in Feet

4,000
Figure 1

Site Location
Acura of Oakland Property
277 27th Street, Oakland, CA

60443560_02.ai

Lubricant and
Cleaner Storage
Waste Aerosol Can
Storage
Parts
Cleaner

100

200

Four 55-Gallon
Used Oil Filters

Approximate Scale in Feet

26tth
h Strre
et

Vehicle
Service Area

170-Gallon Waste Coolant

55-Gallon Waste Brake Fluid
55-Gallon Waste Absorbent

Ent
Entrance
E
nttrance
ran
ance
e

V icl
Ve
Veh
Vehicle
cle
cl
le
Storage
St rag
Sto
ag
ge

Veh
V
Vehicle
e icl
i le
icle
Parking
Par
a kin
k g

Valld
dez S
tr
treet

t
ee
Str
th
27

Au
A
Audi
u
ud
d
Parking
Pa
Par
P
ark
kin
ng
g

Com
om
mpre
p sso
ssorr
Compressor
Paper
Pap
a er
er Records
Record
Rec
Re
ords
ds
Storage
S
Sto
St
rag
age
ag
Whole
Wh
Who
e Foods
F ods
Foo
ods
ds
and
a d Acura
Acura
Ac
a
Parking
P
Par
arkin
a
ki g

OW-1
OW
O
W-1
WW-1

Fi st Congregational
Fir
F
First
Con
on
ng
gre
egat
ation
onal
on
a
Tire Serv
Tire
S
Service
e ice
erv
ce
e
United
U
n
niited
t d Church
te
Ch
hurc
rch
h of
of Christ
Chri
hriistt
and
a
d Alignment
Align
i men
ig
e t Un
(2501
((2
25
2
501 Harrison
Ha
Har
a risso
on
n Street)
Sttree
Str
S
eet
et))
Wa
Was
Waste
W
aste
e Aerosol
Aer
A
Ae
eroso
sso Can
Can
an
Storage
Sto
S
St
t rag
age
ag
Ser
Se
Service
S
ervic
ice Depa
D
Department
epartm
epa
rtment
tme
ent
nt E
En
Entrance
nttra
ran
ncce
nce
Par
Parts
P
a ts
s Warehouse
W eho
Wa
War
eh use
eh
se
e
2nd
d Floor
F oorr
Fl

SEE
S
EE DE
EE
D
DETAIL
E
ETA
T
TA
TAIL
AIL
L ABOV
A
AB
ABOVE
BO
BOVE
BOV
B
OVE
OV
OVE
VE

Vehicle
Veh
V
e icl
i le
icle
Parking
Pa
Par
arkin
k g
ki
kin

Veh
V
Vehicle
e ic
ic e
Service
Se
Ser
e vic
vii e
Area
Are
Area

24tth
h Strre
et

Showroom
S
howro
howro
ho
wroom
om
m

Autotrends
A
uto
ut
ottrrend
en
end
e
nds
nd
Collision
Co
Col
o lis
l ion
ion Repair
Repai
Re
pai
p
ar
(300
((30
300
30
0 24th
24th
4 h St
S
Stree
Street)
ree
eet)
eet)
t)
DAM
DA
D
A
AM
M Sport
Sportt
(302
(30
3 2 24th
30
24th
4 h Street)
Stree
St
reet)
ree
eet)
t

Residential
Re
Res
ide
dent
de
ntia
(325
(32
32
25 24th
24th
4 h Street)
Stree
St
reet)
ree
eet)
t

Label
La
L
a
ab
bel
el Art
Arrtt of
A
of California
Ca
C
a forn
orn a
(290
(29
29
90 27th
27th
th
h Street)
Sttree
eet)
t)
t)

VIP
P Au
A
Aut
Auto
uto
to Collision
Col
Co
olllilision
o
on
(29
29
93 27th
27th
th St
S
tree
ee
et)
t)
(293
Street)

Vehicle
Veh
V
ehicl
icle
c e Detailing/
Deta
D
etaili
eta
et
e
taili
i ng
ng
ng/
g//
Carwash
C
Car
a was
ar
wa h

Residential
Re
Res
ide
id
denti
ntia
tia
(2346
(23
2346
23
4 Valdez
46
Val
Va
V
aldez
dez Street)
de
Stree
St
ree
re
eet)
t

120-Gallon ATF
360-Gallon Motor Oil
360-Gallon Waste Oil

A oho
Alc
Al
Alcoholics
h lic
holic
i s Anonymous/
ic
Anon
nonymo
y us/
ym
ymo
s
Financial
Fi anc
Fin
a ia
an
a Fitness
Fitne
Fi
tness Center
tness
Cen
Cen
e ter
te
er
e
(295
(29
29
95 27th
27th
th Street)
Stree
St
ree
e t)
t

Subject
Subjec
Sub
je
jec
ect of
of Previous
Prev
Prev
revi
eviou
ious
io
Pha
ase II
Phase
Sitte IInvestigation
nve
vest
ve
stigat
sti
gation
gat
io
ion
on
Site

Residential
Re
Res
ide
id
dent
ntia
nt
((2401
(24
24
2401
40
01
1 Valdez
Val
Va
V
a de
dez
ez Street)
e
Stree
Stree
St
reet)
eett))
eet)

Showroom

K lyy Paper
Kel
Kelly
Pap
aper
er
er
((296
(29
29
96 2
7th
th
h Street)
Stree
St
rree
eet)
t
27th

Audi
A
Aud
d of
of Oakland
Oakk and
a d
Service
Se
Ser
ervic
e
vii e Center
Centter
e
(2500
(25
2500
25
0 Webster
00
We ste
Web
ster
t r Street)
Stre
Stre
re
eet)
e
et

Resid
Re
Res
Residential
ide
denti
ntia
tia
(Under
(Un
Un
nder
de Construction)
Co
onst
struc
ructio
ruc
tion)
tio
n
n)

Former
Waste Oil
UST

Elevator

Re id
Res
Residential
ide
denti
ntia
tia
(2429
(24
24
429
9 Valdez
Val
Va
V
aldez
de
ez Street)
e
Stree
St
ree
eet)
t
t)

Parts
Department

Off
Off
Offices
ffice
icess
ice
Ground
Ground
Gro
un
nd
d & Second
Sec
Se
Sec
econd
nd Floors
nd
Floo
F
oorss
o
oor

Ha
rri
so
nS
tre
et

Detail

Service Drive

Wh le
Who
Whole
e Foods
Food
Foo
ds
ds
(230
(23
230
23
0 Bay
Bay
a Place)
Pla
ace)
ce
e

Pa
Par
Parts
a ts
s Department
Dep
e art
ep
a men
e t
Shipping
Shippi
Sh
pp ng
g & Recieving
Reci
ecievi
e ng
ev
evi
g
Ba
y

Res
Residential
R
es
e de
denti
ntia
tia
(315
(31
315
5 24th
24th
4 h Street)
Stree
St
ree
eet)
t)
t)

Pl
ac
e

Residential
Re
Res
side
d nti
de
ntt a
(321
((32
32
21 24th
24th
4 Street)
Stree
St
ree
eet)
t
t)
Re id
Res
Residential
ide
dent
nti
ta
(263
(26
26
63 & 265
265 24th
26
24th
4 h Street)
Stree
St
reet)
ree
ee
et)
t

Vacant
Va
Vac
a ant
a Below/Residential
Bellow
Be
low
w/R
/Re
Resid
id
dent
e tial
ia
al Above
A ove
Ab
e
(261
(26
26
61 & 259
259 24th
24th
4 h Street)
Stree
St
ree
eet)
t
t)
Va
Vac
Vacant
a ant
a t
(Former
(Fo
Form
F
rme
me
er Firestone
Fire
Fire
re
esto
stone
t ne
e Tire
T e Center)
Tir
Cent
enter)
ter)
e
er
(2359
(23
2 59
23
9 Harrison
Ha
Har
a ris
ison
o Street)
Street
Str
ee )
eet
Source: Google Earth Pro, imagery date 5/11/2015

Legend

Subject property boundary

Inground lift

Transformer

Suspected UST fill port

Monitoring well

Drain intake
Figure 2

Site Plan
Acura of Oakland Property
277 27th Street, Oakland, CA

APPENDIX A
SELECTED PORTIONS OF PREVIOUS REPORTS