Phase I Environmental Assessment

A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is a non-invasive environmental assessment of a commercial, industrial, agricultural, or multi-tenant residential property. The purpose is to provide a comprehensive review of any potential environmental risks past, present and future associated with the subject property.

We utilize the new ASTM E1527-21 Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments procedures, which is accepted by all banks and the Small Business Administration (SBA). A SBA reliance letter can also be provided if needed for you to obtain a loan.

Our reports are delivered electronically in PDF format via email. An executive summary is provided within the first few pages which will quickly give you our findings.

The Phase I environmental assessment includes the following:

1. A regulatory Environmental Database Search

2. Inspection of historical aerial photographs and city directories

3. Assessment of historical Fire Insurance maps and FOIA requests

4. A site visit to assess current site operations as well as operations from neighboring facilities

5. A report that is accepted by banks and the SBA

Most Phase I ESAs come back clean. However, sometimes Recognized Environmental Concerns (REC) are found which may need further investigation. A Phase II ESA would be recommended to offer a deeper dive to understand the RECs and their environmental impact.