12/11/2023
What is the Purpose of a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment?
The purpose of a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is to is to assess the environmental risks associated with a property, including the presence of hazardous substances and petroleum products, and to identify recognized environmental conditions (RECs) and potential sources of environmental liabilities that may impact the value of the property.
The following are several key elements included in a Phase I ESA:
• Site Reconnaissance: A visual inspection of the property to view present conditions and evaluate any potential sources of environmental contamination.
• Historical and Current Records Review: A review of historical and current records and documentation pertaining to the Site, Sanborn Insurance maps, USGS 7.5’ topographical maps, aerial photos, and other relevant documents, to identify any potential environmental liabilities.
• Regulatory Records Review: regulatory reports including Federal, State, Local and Tribal records concerning the property and the neighboring properties.
• Interviews: Interviews with current and former owners, occupants, and others with knowledge of the property’s history and its potential environmental liabilities.
• Data Analysis: Analysis of the information gathered during the site reconnaissance, records review, and interviews to identify potential environmental liabilities.
• Comprehensive Professional Report: Phase I ESA report including conclusions and recommendations concerning the property, based on our professional judgment and findings.
The information gathered during a Phase I ESA is then used to support informed decision-making and to determine the need for further investigation and potential environmental cleanup.
Contact American Environmental Assessment & Solutions, Inc. at 718-209-0653 if you have questions about your property environmental health, or if you need an environmental assessment as due diligence on a property transaction. We are your number 1 company for environmental due diligence.