Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment

Phase 1 environmental site assessments Identify Potential or Existing Environmental Contamination Liabilities

Phase 1 Environmental inspection is generally considered the first step in the process of environmental due diligence. In general, the assessment is performed to uncover any environmental risks before purchasing a property. Phase 1 ESA is also performed to identify if any contaminations have occurred since the last Phase I or if a property owner/manager rents the property to an entity that may have caused an environmental concern.

Standards for performing a Phase 1 site assessment have been enacted by the US EPA and are based on the updated ASTM E1527-13 and ASTM E1527-21 Standards. The actual sampling of soil, air, groundwater, and/or building materials is typically not conducted in a Phase 1 ESA checklist.

If a site is considered contaminated, a Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment may be conducted, ASTM test E1903, a more detailed investigation involving chemical analysis for hazardous substances and/or petroleum hydrocarbons.
If the site has contamination, then Phase 3 may be issued. Phase 3 is the actual remediation/removal of the contamination.

Who Should Have A Phase 1 Performed?

Any person or entity that is going to purchase land to be developed or is a commercial/industrial property, or leases land commercially, should have phase one commercial property inspection performed. This reduces risks later on that may not have been known. Phase 1 is known to release “Landowner Liabilities”. A big misconception is a deed releases the landowner but it does not, environmentally.

People sitting around a table discussing something

What is A Phase 1 Inspection?

Phase I ESA typically includes the following:

• Site visit to observe current and past conditions and uses of the property and adjacent properties;

• Review of federal, state, tribal, and local regulatory databases including, but not limited to, underground storage tanks (USTs), aboveground storage tanks (ASTs), known or suspected release cases, the storage of hazardous substances, and disposal of hazardous wastes including petroleum products, and institutional and engineering controls;

• Historical records reviews, such as historical aerial photographs, fire insurance maps (Sanborn maps), historical city directories, and historical topographic maps;

• State and local agency records review, including but not limited to state environmental agencies, Building Departments, Fire Departments, and Health Departments.

• Interviews with current and past property owners, operators, occupants, or others familiar with the property.

• Interviews with the Report User for title or judicial records for environmental liens and activity and use limitations (AULs); specialized knowledge or experience; actual knowledge; commonly known or reasonably ascertainable information; the reason for a significantly lower purchase price; and the reason for the preparation of the Phase I ESA. It is the User’s responsibility to provide this information to qualify for the innocent landowner defense.

This research is evaluated by the Environmental Professional (EP) to identify potential environmental risks to the property such as current or historic operations that are known or suspected to have used hazardous substances or petroleum products during onsite operations. Some very common uses of concern are dry cleaners, gas stations, auto/vehicle repair, printing operations, and manufacturing. In addition to potential soil and groundwater contamination, ASTM E1527-13 addresses the concerns associated with contamination in soil vapor and the potential for vapor migration to pose a threat to onsite and offsite tenants.

Highly Recommended & Favorably Reviewed

We also offer the following commercial inspection services:

Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, we follow ASTM Standard E 1527-05 & -13, including Vapor Encroachment ASTM Standard E 2600-10.
Transaction Screen Assessment, we follow ASTM Standard E 1528-06
Records Search with Risk Assessment (RSRA).
Building Permit Review
Commercial Inspections
Cost Estimates Of Repairs Required
Property Preservation Field Inspections
Construction Bank Draw Inspections.
Infrared Camera Inspections
Energy Reports
Lead Paint Inspections
Mold Analysis
Water Quality Testing
Well Shocking

Our reputation for providing exceptional customer service is why the majority of our business comes from client referrals and real estate agent recommendations. We always work directly for the client, and our job is to ensure that the client understands every item that may be reported. Our job does not end after the report is completed. Should you have any questions months down the road, you are encouraged to give us a call and we will do whatever it takes to ensure that you are completely comfortable with the property.

Contact Optima Home Inspections Today

To learn more about a Phase 1 Environmental inspection, schedule an appointment, call Optima Home Inspections at [845-210-9930] or submit our easy-to-complete online form.

Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment