Phase I Environmental Assessment

Phase I Environmental Assessment



Due diligence inspections for property transactions and financing or liability: on-site hazardous waste contamination, off-site contingent liabilities (Superfund), and on-site regulatory compliance. ESI performs the initial investigation to identify potential areas of contamination by reviewing past and current activities conducted on-site and at adjacent properties. This Phase I assessment involves conducting some or all of the following activities:

  •  Site walkthrough
  •  Surrounding area walkthrough
  •  Historical aerial photographs review
  •  Review of chemical use and storage records
  •  Historical document review
  •  State, county, and local record review
  •  Asbestos sampling (if requested)
  •  File search
  •  Personnel interviews

Based on the information gathered during the Phase I assessment, ESI will prepare a report summarizing the findings and providing professional opinions regarding the potential for an environmental problem to be present at the site. As necessary, ESI will make recommendations for additional work and provide associated cost estimates.

Phase I Environmental Site Assessments

Environmental Solutions, Inc.’s goal in completing an environmental site assessment (ESA) is to help everyone understand the potential environmental risks associated with a property. ESI provides clear and unambiguous assessments that allow decision-makers to make confident decisions in the property transaction decision-making process. Our approach meets ASTM guidelines and can be augmented with additional investigations to satisfy you or your clients needs.

The ESA relies on four components to complete proper due diligence:

Records Review – Environmental Solutions, Inc.obtains and reviews reasonably ascertainable records from standard sources to help identify recognized environmental conditions. Environmental Solutions, Inc. reviews the NPL and CERCLIS listings, the RCRA facilities list, pertinent state and local agency records and a selected commercially available database. The historical review can include aeria l photographs, city directories, fire insurance maps and interviews of people familiar with the property and adjoining area.

Site Reconnaissance – We send experienced site assessment personnel to the property to visually and physically observe the site and adjoining properties. Specific attention is given to evidence of spills, existence of storage tanks, possible sources of PCBs, and indications of improper use of hazardous substances. We rely on a comprehensive checklist to complete the reconnaissance.

Interviews with Owners and Occupants – Environmental Solutions, Inc. relies on a checklist to complete an indepth interview of the key site manager and representatives from the major occupants. Environmental Solutions, Inc. also contacts representatives of pertinent local agencies who may have knowledge of the site.

Report – We present findings and conclusions using clear and concise language. We work diligently to close out all issues and present well-written opinions of the recognized environmental conditions at the property.

ESA Plus – Environmental Solutions, Inc. recognizes that some clients require property transaction due diligence exceeding the ASTM guideline; for example, to obtain security rating from a Wall Street rating agency, or to meet the requirements of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or HUD. Our ESA protocol includes options to complete evaluations for mold, wetlands, lead-based paint, lead in drinking water, asbestos, radon, ozone-depleting substances, and compliance assessments, should any or all of these be appropriate for your transaction.