Phase I Environment Site Assessments
Phase I Environment Site Assessments (Phase I ESAs) are typically completed prior to the sale, purchase or lease of industrial, commercial and agricultural properties. The Phase I ESA can be completed by the buyer, seller, or lender and it is intended to satisfy the requirements of the innocent Landowner Defense to liability imposed by the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA). Phase I ESAs are typically required by lenders in order to assure that properties do not contain environmental liabilities that could diminish the value of the property.
Phase I Environment Site Assessments (Phase I ESAs) are typically completed prior to the sale, purchase or lease of industrial, commercial and agricultural properties. The Phase I ESA can be completed by the buyer, seller, or lender and it is intended to satisfy the requirements of the innocent Landowner Defense to liability imposed by the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA). Phase I ESAs are typically required by lenders in order to assure that properties do not contain environmental liabilities that could diminish the value of the property.
At OCW Environmental, each Phase I ESA will comply with the requirements of the All Appropriate Inquiries Final Rule, or follow the standards set forth in the ASTM E1527-05. The scope of work may include:
- An on-site visit to view present conditions and evaluate any likely environmentally hazardous site history. The inspection will focus on identifying any chemical spill residue, stressed vegetation, usage of hazardous substances or petroleum products, or the presence of above ground or underground storage tanks.
- Evaluation of risks fromneighboring properties to the subject property
- Review of Federal, State, Local and Tribal Records out to distances specified by the ASTM 1528 and AAI Standards (ranging from 1/8 to 1 mile depending on the database)
- Interviews of past owners and present owners, key site manager, present tenants, and neighbors
- Review of municipal or county planning files to check prior land usage and permits granted
- Conduct file searches with public agencies including the State water board, fire department, and county health department
- Review of historic aerial photography and current USGS maps to observe drainage patterns and topography.
- Examine chain-of-title for Environmental Liens and/or Activity and Land Use Limitations
Upon completion of the Phase I ESA, the results may indicate the need for further study including a Phase II ESA.
