Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA)

Where are Phase I ESAs Conducted?

Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) are conducted on various commercial, industrial, agricultural, rural, undeveloped, and residential multi-family properties. Our team of experienced environmental professionals are experts in completing Phase 1 ESAs. Our goal with this kind of site assessment is to identify recognized environmental conditions on the property.

Since Phase I ESAs are often completed during the due diligence phase, often times our clients perform Property Condition Assessments simultaneously.

Property Condition Assessments

What is a Phase I ESA?

Phase 1 ESAs are an essential risk management tool which occur during real estate property transactions. The purpose of a Phase 1 ESA is to obtain detailed information to develop a professional opinion about the environmental condition of the property. It is used to identify actual or potential environmental concerns which may impact the property value.

Why Have a Phase I ESA Conducted?

If you are purchasing a property and want to understand if there is any contamination or hazardous conditions. If there are confirmed contaminants or hazardous conditions, you could be held liable for the clean-up costs associated. If the property formerly contained or still contains underground storage tanks or above-ground storage tanks, there is a risk they may have leaked, and the soil or groundwater could be contaminated. Therefore, this is a critical step in protecting the buyer or lender from future liability during the due diligence process.

Commercial property purchases are often required to conduct a Phase 1 ESA by the lender. For residential properties, if the property contains more than four units, it may also be required by the lender.

Phase I ESA Scope

Our team of experts will identify any current deficiencies that pose a threat to life and safety, as well as those items that require repair in the immediate or near term within the next five years.

We perform all Phase ESAs in accordance with ATSME-1527-21, Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment Process standards. Our process includes the following services:

Records Review

Review readily available public records to identify previous, existing, or potential sources of contamination. This will include obtaining environmental database reports from Environmental Data Resources (EDR), included in our report appendices. We will review historical city directories and historical aerial photography as available for information on previous development, use, and occupancy.

Records Review

Review readily available public records to identify previous, existing, or potential sources of contamination. This will include obtaining environmental database reports from Environmental Data Resources (EDR), included in our report appendices. We will review historical city directories and historical aerial photography as available for information on previous development, use, and occupancy.

Site Reconnaissance

A limited visual inspection to determine the likelihood of any hazardous substances or petroleum products present that could indicate an existing release, a past release, or a threat of a release onto the property.

Site Reconnaissance

A limited visual inspection to determine the likelihood of any hazardous substances or petroleum products present that could indicate an existing release, a past release, or a threat of a release onto the property.

Interviews

Interview current owner(s) and occupants, past owners/occupants, and government officials as readily available to determine the subject’s property historical use and to obtain information indicating recognized environmental conditions in connection with the property.

Interviews

Interview current owner(s) and occupants, past owners/occupants, and government officials as readily available to determine the historical use of the subject property and to obtain information indicating recognized environmental conditions in connection with the property.

Report

A report will be prepared to quantify the documentation and information gathered during our investigation. The report will include our findings and opinion with regard to known or suspected recognized environmental conditions. Our report will also provide an opinion regarding the potential need for second-tier investigation.

Report

A report will be prepared to quantify the documentation and information gathered during our investigation. The report will include our findings and opinion with regard to known or suspected recognized environmental conditions. Our report will also provide an opinion regarding the potential need for a second-tier investigation.

Phase I ESA Portfolio

View Our Property Condition Assessment Portfolio

Commercial Property Service Proposal Request

Complete Request Form