Environmental Site Assessments

Phase I ESA

A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment is performed in an effort to identify any potential liability and risk associated with environmental concerns for an investment property. Phase I ESAs are needed when structuring an acquisition, sale, leasing, or financing transaction to ensure a property does not have recognized environmental conditions that could severely impact the use and economics of the transaction and property. Environmental due diligence is important for a number of reasons. 

• Buyers need to know what they are investing in. A Phase I ESA can help assess potential costs that may be associated with environmental contamination, such as leaking underground fuel storage tanks. 
• Developers need to know if there is contamination on site when planning the use of the property. For example, asbestos in an existing building or contaminated soil will drastically increase renovation or construction costs. Contamination often thwarts a developers plans for the property.
• Current landowners should be aware of their site's condition and if there are environmental conditions, assess potential costs for remediation and develop plans for cleaning the site. 

Do I Really Need a Phase I ESA?

When deciding if you "need" a Phase I ESA or not, here are a few considerations:

• Is CERCLA liability protection important to you?  If yes, then you need a Phase 1 ESA.
• Regardless of property type, environmental due diligence should be considered to protect your investments. This includes:        

Industrial properties, high risk type properties, office buildings, apartment complexes, residential developments, and even low risk properties such as vacant and undeveloped land.

• Property location – Even if your property is previously undeveloped or had low risk use, know that surrounding properties might have an effect on your property.
• The most significant consideration might be what does your lender require? Most lenders usually have their own requirements depending on the type of loan (Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, HUD), property type, location, or other risk factors. 

Phase I ESA Scope

Anding Environmental provides custom, high quality, comprehensive Phase I ESAs in accordance with ASTM 1527-13 standard, satisfying All Appropriate Inquiry. Our Phase I ESA process is designed to protect your investments through experienced due dilligence. A typical Phase I ESA includes, but is not limited to:

• An Executive Summary of Findings, Clear Scope of Work, and Supporting Documentation;
• Extensive historical archive research and review of standard environmental record sources;
• On-Site reconnaissance of property;
• In-depth interviews of knowledgeable site contacts, appropriate government and private sector sources of information;
• Clear summary of Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs);
• Incorporation of specific lender requirements; and
• High quality GIS maps detailing the site and any findings. 

Let Anding Environmental provide you with a custom Phase I ESA. We know our clients' needs and your 100% satisfaction is our number one goal.