Phase 1 Site Assessments

If you’re considering purchasing real estate and need to conduct a Phase 1 environmental site assessment (ESA) you have come to the right place. A Phase I ESA is an essential element of obtaining bona fide protective purchaser (BFPP) protection under the federal Superfund Act. Choosing the right environmental consultant for the job is key.

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A Phase 1 ESA that meets to the appropriate level of “due diligence” as specified in ASTM-E-1527-13 includes the following:

– Database and records review of all available sources in federal, state, county, and municipal records of recognized environmental conditions.
– Historical land use research.
– Site inspection that includes surrounding properties.
– Interviews with the property owner, occupants, and all possible neighbors.
– Obtaining any previous documents such as Phase 1 ESA, Business Plans, Permits, or any other documents that may have environmental significance.
– Pictures of the property and surrounding property.
– Geologic characteristic of property, soils, surface, and groundwater (i.e. topographic maps).
– Aerial photographs and Sanborn Maps as available.
– Other relevant documents such as tax maps, title records, zoning, and land use records, building department records.
– Records review of environmental records at county and state level

The completed Phase I ESA Report will identify all known or suspected hazardous material or petroleum product releases with recommendations for sampling/testing and analysis (referred to as Phase II).

Phase I should not provide recommendations. The decision to perform a Phase 2 can be discussed outside of a Phase 1 report. A Phase II collects soil, groundwater, or surface water for sampling/testing and analysis.