What is a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment (ESA)?

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Phase 1 ESAs evaluate commercial property for hazardous material or petroleum product pollution. A Phase One Report helps buyers and lenders assess the property's environmental risk. ASTM defines environmental risk or "recognized environmental condition" (REC). "The presence or likely presence of any hazardous substances or petroleum products in, on, or at a property: (1) due to any release to the environment; (2) under conditions indicative of a release; or (3) under conditions that pose a material threat of a future release," according to ASTM standard E1527-21.

 

What is the purpose of a Phase 1?

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Phase I ESAs gather enough information to make an impartial expert assessment regarding a property's environmental state and identify environmental contamination that may affect its value. Phase One Reports satisfy one of the elements for landowner liability protection (innocent landowner defense) from CERCLA liability.

 

Why is a Phase 1 ESA needed?

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Buyers will complete a Phase 1 Environmental Assessment to ensure the property does not pose an unacceptable environmental risk. Phase I Reports safeguard commercial property lenders.

 

What type of properties do not generally require a Phase I ESA?

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A Phase I ESA is typically completed for commercial properties. ESA is typically unnecessary for residential homes unless exceptional circumstances exist, such as the presence of an underground storage tank or a previously documented spill. If a residential property is located next to another property that has an environmental issue, either known or suspected, a Phase One may be necessary.

 

What is in a Phase 1 ESA Report?

 

The environmental state of a site can be thoroughly evaluated with the information contained in a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment report. An Environmental Expert has done an investigation and compiled the findings by speaking with current and former building tenants, managers, and owners. The analysis also includes searches for registered environmental cleanup liens and analyses of historical sources of information including documents and records. It also involves checking all relevant federal, state, tribal, and municipal records for the property. Visual inspections of the facility and surrounding properties are performed, and whatever information that is publicly available or easily ascertainable is taken into account. The study also takes into account how clear it is that contamination exists on the property and how easily it may be detected using suitable research techniques.

 

How fast can I get a Phase I Environmental Report completed?

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Bridgeway Environmental specializes in fast completion of our Phase I Environmental reports. We can have boots on the ground within 24hrs or less to assess and evaluate onsite conditions. Turnaround time is typically 5-10 days. Feel free to contact us for an estimated completion time for your property.