Intrusive investigations that involve the collection of soil and groundwater samples are generally identified as Site Characterizations, Remedial Investigations or Phase II investigations. What you ultimately call the investigation depends on the state and regulatory program that oversees the work. 

In Pennsylvania, a Site Characterization is completed at storage tank facilities regulated under the Corrective Action Process (CAP) requirements in 25 Pa Code, Chapter 245; examples are gas stations or petroleum storage terminals.  Contaminant plumes must be completely delineated both horizontally and vertically within 180 days before a Site Characterization Report is submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.  

Phase II is a term derived from the ASTM standards and can evolve from the need to investigate recognized environmental conditions identified during a Phase I ESA. The ASTM Phase II site assessment standards involve methodologies for various types of sampling and intrusive investigation at a site.  A Phase II in Pennsylvania is either called a Site Characterization or a Remedial Investigation if reporting to a regulatory program. New Jersey regulatory programs would refer to a Phase II as a Remedial Investigation.  

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