An Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is an investigation designed to determine whether any environmental issues have impaired the subject property. The ESA reveals the probability of hidden liabilities for the user(s) of the Phase I ESA.
The ESA will satisfy the all appropriate inquiry set forth in 42 U.S.C. Section 9601 (35) (b) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA).
An ESA is now a standard requirement for most lending institutions and insurance carriers prior to a commercial real estate transaction. It is also sound business practice to have an ESA conducted prior to closing on a property.
Our environmental site assessments typically include the following in accordance with the latest ASTM Standard 1527-13:
- Physical environmental site assessment of the subject property including structures. The physical site assessment identifies all obvious signs of contamination i.e., staining, drum storage, spills.
- Identification of past and current uses of the property.
- An extensive review of federal, state and local records for previous environmental actions/spill incidents, historic aerial photography, city directories, fire insurance maps, etc.
- The existence of present and previous chemical and petroleum storage tanks both above ground and underground.
- The potential for vapor migration.
- A review of nearby/adjacent properties and surrounding land use.
- The proximity to sensitive environmental areas, i.e., wetlands, surface waters, special groundwater protection areas.
- Interviews with key personnel.
- Identification of Historical Recognized Environmental Conditions (HRECS), Controlled Recognized Environmental Conditions (CRECS), and Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECS).
- Conclusions and recommendations