A Level III Survey is required when a bureau determines, on the basis of the Level I or II Survey, that there is a reasonable basis to assume that hazardous substances are present on the real property or that there are effects of such hazardous substances present at the site, and extensive work (e.g. "significant" sampling and original research) is required to determine the extent of any hazardous substance, obtain an estimate of the remediation or other cleanup costs, and determine whether reprogramming is required.
No form or format is provided for a Level III Survey. The Survey should be of sufficient detail to determine the total remediation or other cleanup costs to the Department. The Survey should describe the area evaluated, and discuss the investigations that lead to the estimate of costs. The Survey shall indicate whether the Service wishes to acquire an interest in the real estate in question. The Survey shall also give an estimate of the costs of preparing the Level III Survey, including the costs of any studies or investigation.
The document must be signed and dated by its preparer.
A. Definitions. See 341 FW 3.5
B. Time Limit. See 341 FW and 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. Certification. One, and only one, of the following statements must be included in the Level III Survey.
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). No further investigation is required.
Signed _______________________________ Print Name _________________________
Date _______________________________ Title ______________________________
3. On the basis of the information collected to complete this Survey it is possible to reasonably conclude that hazardous substances or other environmental problems, or the effects of hazardous substances or other environmental problems, are present on this real property. 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 ______________________________
E. Reprogramming. If remediation or other cleanup costs are estimated under Section D. 3., include a statement that a reprogramming of funds will, or will not, be required. If costs are not estimated, leave blank.
F. 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 III Survey report. Provide the signature, printed name, date, and title.
G. Process of Submittal to PMB. The process is the same as that described in a Level I Survey.
H. Retention of Records. The requirements are the same as described for a Level I Survey.