Which of the following is NOT a major change to the ASTM E1527-13 standard compared to E1527-05?

The choice regarding the inclusion of an opinion regarding additional All Appropriate Inquiries (AAI) is not a major change when comparing the ASTM E1527-13 standard to E1527-05. Instead, the E1527-13 standard focuses on providing a more rigorous and clear framework for conducting Phase I Environmental Site Assessments. This includes significant updates in other areas such as the expansion of definitions related to recognized environmental conditions, which helps clarify what constitutes environmental concerns that should be investigated.

Updating the scope of historical research enhances the comprehensiveness of assessments, ensuring that all relevant historical uses of a property are considered. Moreover, clarifying user responsibilities directly assists in establishing clear expectations for parties involved in environmental assessments. These changes improve the overall quality and consistency of the inquiries and assessments conducted under this standard, reinforcing the importance of thoroughness in environmental evaluations. However, the inclusion of subjective opinions on AAI was not a key focus during the revision of the standard, which is why it is not recognized as a major change.