Prior to acquiring a building or land through purchase or foreclosure, it is critical to identify potential environmental concerns. The cost of owning an impacted property can be significant, and an unsuspecting buyer may suddenly find herself the responsible party for a problem she didn’t create.
Financial institutions require that a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (Phase I or ESA) be conducted prior to funding the loan. A Phase I provides both of you with the information needed to make informed business decisions. If you already own the property, a Phase I will identify liabilities that you may need to address prior to sale.
EnvApps usually gets the call when the property is already in escrow. Quick turnaround and accurate evaluation is critical in these circumstances, so registered engineers and geologists perform the work.
Some common previous property uses high in environmental liability, such as for service stations or dry cleaners, require further testing. In these cases, a quick soil vapor survey and vapor intrusion model can be implemented within the escrow period.
Although the market has made Phase 1 reports very cost competitive, saving a few dollars on these important documents is not recommended if the client truly wishes to minimize future liabilities.
What is Included in a Phase I ESA?
- A database search of federal and state environmental regulatory agency lists.
- A chain of title going back at least 40 years, and a list environmental liens.
- A visit to inspect the site and nearby areas for obvious sources of contamination (actual and potential) and interview the current key site manager.
- A visit to the local Building and Safety Department to review their files.
- A review of the local geology and hydrogeology to assist in assessing potential pathways of contaminant migration.
- A historical review (aerial photographs, city directories, Sanborn fire insurance maps, oil well maps, etc.) to infer past land uses on or near each site that might have contributed to soil or groundwater contamination.
- A summary of findings and conclusions. If indicated, recommendations for additional assessment work will be included.
Our reports meet or exceed ASTM Standard E-1527 Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process, and offer the degree of detail required to legally meet your due diligence obligations. Reports will be delivered in .pdf format on CD complete with digital photographs of site.
Normal turn-around-time for a Phase I is 3-4 weeks, but can be expedited. Multiple Phase I orders and/or adjoining or adjacent properties can result in a significant savings.
EnvApps also conducts exit audits, for situations where a tenant is leaving, and the owner or property manager suspects contamination.