Property-specific risk assessments may also be used to demonstrate a property meets the protective standards set forth in the VAP rules if the remedy evaluated in the risk assessment or the condition of the property is protective of public health and safety and the environment on and off the property. Certified professionals verify that the cleanup has been done properly and meets acceptable standards. All professionals must have at least eight years of experience with investigating and remediating hazardous substances, and three years of experience directly supervising remediation projects. Ethical, academic and work experience criteria have also been developed to govern certified professionals. For example, certified professionals may not work for volunteers who employ them or with whom they have had any affiliation in the past year.
Certified laboratories perform the analyses used to support a no further action letter.
Certified laboratories are certified to analyze certain analytes and parameter groups and must meet demanding quality assurance requirements as well as pass regular performance evaluations. Certified professionals or laboratories that falsify or knowingly withhold information will be permanently prohibited from participating in the program and may face other penalties. Ohio EPA has established a program to ensure that cleanups are done safely and correctly. Ohio EPA will have access to all cleanup documents and properties, and will audit at least 25 percent of the properties to confirm that cleanup standards have been met. The Agency also may request any documents from certified professionals to verify their qualifications.