Comments on: Sustainable Sites 3 – Brownfield Redevelopment

By: Binh

Binh — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 02:15:11 +0000

Thanks, Pat.

Are there any complicated calculations in the test?

I really worry this part.

Thanks for giving me access to this website. It’s been great!

By: Binh

Binh — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 21:19:37 +0000

Hi Pat Flynn,

Thanks for your email update.

I have a question and would like to seek experienced response. I am a professional architect (6-7 yrs experience), and want to take NC 2.2 test without prior LEED project experience.

The test is scheduled in a week. I grasped all credits: intent, requirements, ID. Still need work on standards and credit-specific calculations and submittal. I already took a break from work for this exam revision.

Would 7 days be enough?

Or should I cancel and re-register for LEED v3?
Your prompt response is highly appreciated!

Many best,

By: Katie

Katie — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 18:51:45 +0000

Amy,
I think that it may be because CERCLA is incorporated in ASTM E1903-97 Phase II Environmental Site Assessment. So by choosing ASTM credit you have covered CERCLA. I got this from v2.2 3rd edition SSc3 pg 44 which only shows 2 reference standards.

I hope this helps!

By: amyjolindgren

amyjolindgren — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 17:44:19 +0000

I got this exam question on a practice exam and I was wondering when CERCLA (SUPERFUND) is used.

What types of documentation qualify for SS Credit 3 Brownfield Redevelopment?

A US CFR Title 7, Volume 6, Parts 400-699
B IESNA Certification
C EPA CERCLA Registration
D ASTM Phase II Environmental
E Local, State, or Federal Agency Approval

Answers D, E but why not C

By: David

David — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 03:05:53 +0000

I believe the answer is A, B and C…

The question asks what needs to completed before you submit the FINAL application.

I’m taking quotes from the V 2.2 handbook -

In the intro under “D. LEED for New Construction Application, Two-Phase Application”

“…For example, if a project site meets the LEED for NC SS Credit 3: Brownfield Redevelopment Requirements, USGBC can assess the likelihood of the project achieving this credit prior to the completion of construction. IT IS IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER THAT LEED CREDIT IS NOT AWARDED AT THE DESIGN REVIEW STAGE. Project teams are notified of the likelihood that their project will achieve a LEED credit if construction is executed in accordance with design phase plans. Projects must submit verification that design elements were implemented as planned after completion of construction…”

Read the following page sections, Design Phase Review and Construction Phase Review for further explanation.

Tricky question.

By: Amy

Amy — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 21:56:29 +0000

I agree with Justin. I think it would be A, B and C…Not D because with A you would be saying that you are taking care of the problems with a contaminated site. Is that right to assume?

By: Justin Roath

Justin Roath — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 07:08:17 +0000

In regard to the question presented above.

V2.2, Pg. 24 Specifically states:

“To earn this credit, a site with existing hazardous substances present or potentially present must be selected, and remediation efforts must be performed to identify, contain and mitigate the hazard.”

Based on this information, and the wording of the question that says, “…prior to the submission of the FINAL application,” it could be argued that A could also be a correct answer.

By: heidi

heidi — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 01:44:28 +0000

In the reference guide there is discussion about future follow up on the success of a given mitigation strategy to assure that there is no recurrence of the contamination. That led me to choose option D in your sample question.

By: Franco

Franco — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 01:13:54 +0000

Good question, Dee. I’ve been too busy studying to pass the exam that I have only been focusing only on passing it — and not actually taking time to analyze what impacts this would actually have in practice. We’re going to have problems localizing a lot of LEED here in Asia.

By: Dee

Dee — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 18:38:45 +0000

Thanks for pointing that out, Franco.

I just went by the Ref guide which says that the submittal should include a narrative describing the site contamination and the remedial measures undertaken.

I wonder why this isn’t a construction submittal…

By: Franco

Franco — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 02:59:25 +0000

Since this credit is a design submittal, (A) is definitely out because of the phrase “documented mitigation”. I think that (D) would go in for the same reason… “indication of each major contamination risk”, implies that no action has been taken, but that there is a documented intent to do something about it.

In my humble opinion, knowing the submittal stage also helps define what the question is really looking for.

By: rookwood

rookwood — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 01:34:49 +0000

I can understand both B & C, but why D? Does it matter which areas of the site are contaminated? I know from experience with my company that we remove all contamination from the site. On the other hand, is it not more important to document that the contamination has been mitigated or removed? But does “declaration” mean in “C”?

I don’t know, just trying to rationalize.

By: Dee

Dee — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 22:29:45 +0000

Brian:
I think the answer is B, C, D

By: Brian

Brian — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 18:20:46 +0000

If attempting SSc3, Brownfield redevelopment, which three of the following must be completed prior to the submission of the final application for LEED certification? (Choose 3)

A: documented mitigation or removal of all contamination known to be on the site.
B: documentation supporting the declaration that the site is either contaminated or defined as a Brownfield
C: declaration of all remedial measures that either have been or will be taken prior to construction.
D: indication of each major contamination risk and the areas of the site affected by these risks.

By: Pat

Pat — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 06:09:55 +0000

Yes, a typo. I’ll add the E that’s missing. For the sake of the LEED test, you shouldn’t get too crazy about learning the full names of the standards. Good catch though, thanks!

By: christian

christian — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 05:36:23 +0000

I’m pretty sure the standard for ASTM 1903.07 is incorrect. In all of my reference materials, the standard is displayed as ASTM E1903-97 (or ASTM E1903-97 Phase II Environmental Site Assessment for anyone who is obsessed with the full titles of standards like me). Did I miss an Errata somewhere, or is this simply a typo?