Understand the Environmental Risks Before You Invest

A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) helps identify potential environmental concerns associated with a property before you purchase, refinance, develop, or sell it.

Our Phase I ESAs provide a thorough review of available historical, regulatory, and property information to help clients make informed real estate decisions and identify potential environmental liabilities.

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What Is a Phase I ESA?

A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment is a non-intrusive investigation of a property's environmental history and current conditions.

The assessment is generally performed in accordance with ASTM E1527, the standard commonly used for Phase I ESAs in the United States. The purpose is to identify Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs) and other potential environmental concerns that may affect a property.

A Phase I ESA typically does not involve collecting soil, groundwater, or other physical samples. If the assessment identifies potential contamination, additional investigation may be recommended.

What's Included in a Phase I ESA?

 

Historical Property Research

We investigate the property's historical uses using available sources such as historical aerial photographs, fire insurance maps, city directories, and other historical records.

 

Environmental Database Review

Available federal, state, and local regulatory databases are reviewed to identify documented environmental conditions associated with the property and surrounding properties.

 

Site Reconnaissance

An environmental professional conducts a visual inspection of the property and accessible areas to identify conditions that could indicate potential environmental concerns.

 

Interviews

When appropriate, interviews with property owners, occupants, managers, government officials, and other knowledgeable parties may provide valuable information about current and historical property conditions.

 

Surrounding Property Review

Properties in the surrounding area are evaluated for historical or current activities that could potentially affect the subject property.

 

Environmental Professional Evaluation

The collected information is evaluated by a qualified environmental professional to identify potential Recognized Environmental Conditions and other relevant findings.

 

Detailed ESA Report

The final report documents the investigation, sources reviewed, site observations, findings, limitations, and conclusions.

 

When Do You Need a Phase I ESA?

A Phase I ESA can be an important component of commercial real estate due diligence.

Our assessments can support:

• Property acquisitions

• Commercial real estate transactions

• Property refinancing

• Lender due diligence

• Property development

• Redevelopment projects

• Portfolio acquisitions

• Environmental risk management

• Property disposition

Conducting an assessment early in the transaction can help identify potential environmental issues before they become unexpected costs or delays.

Our Phase I ESA Process

1. Property Information

We begin by gathering available information about the property, its current use, ownership, and intended transaction.

2. Records Review

Historical sources, environmental databases, regulatory records, and other relevant information are reviewed.

3. Property Inspection

An environmental professional conducts a site reconnaissance to observe current conditions and identify potential environmental concerns.

4. Environmental Evaluation

The available information and site observations are evaluated in accordance with the applicable assessment standard.

5. Reporting

We provide a comprehensive report presenting our findings in a clear, organized format.

6. Consultation

If potential environmental concerns are identified, we discuss the findings and potential next steps with you.

 

Phase I ESA vs. Phase II ESA

A Phase I ESA is primarily a records-based and visual investigation. It is designed to identify potential environmental concerns without collecting environmental samples.

A Phase II ESA may be appropriate when a Phase I ESA identifies conditions that warrant further investigation. Phase II work can involve activities such as soil, groundwater, soil-gas, or other environmental sampling.

Phase I identifies potential concerns. Phase II investigates whether contamination is actually present.

Why Choose Our Environmental Consulting Team?

Experienced Environmental ProfessionalsOur team understands the environmental considerations involved in commercial real estate transactions and property due diligence.

 

Thorough Research

We combine historical research, regulatory database review, site observations, and professional evaluation to develop a complete understanding of the property.

 

Clear Reporting

Our reports are designed to clearly communicate important findings so property owners, buyers, lenders, attorneys, and other stakeholders can understand the environmental considerations.

 

Responsive Service

Real estate transactions operate on deadlines. We work efficiently to help keep your environmental due diligence moving forward.

 

Protect Your Investment With Environmental Due Diligence

Environmental problems can create significant financial and regulatory challenges. A Phase I ESA can provide valuable information before you commit to a property.

Planning to purchase, refinance, develop, or sell commercial property?

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