Environmental Site Assessment FAQ's

Q.	What makes up a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment?
A.	A quality Phase I is a site investigation involving both a visual inspection and a historical document search. It is designed to give a potential buyer an accurate depiction of the current state of the property and adjacent properties, as well as the history of the property.
Q.	Have regulatory agencies established guidelines for Phase I environmental site assessments?
A.	The American Society for Testing and Materials standard ASTME 1527 Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process establishes specific requirements for a Phase I. These requirements include: a visual survey of the site, a visual survey of the surrounding sites and searches of federal, state and local database.
Q.	What is typically included in a Phase I ESA?
A.	The following items are studied during the documentation search and walk through of the property: • A physical survey of the property and surrounding properties to assess general land use and occupants of the area; • An on-site visual inspection to identify recognized environmental concerns; • A review of data regarding the local geology and hydrology; • An assessment of current and past uses and practices of the property with particular attention given to determining any hazardous material or waste practices; • An assessment of the historic land use and development of the property through an interpretation of fire insurance maps, city directories, and/or aerial photographs of the site and interviews with persons knowledgeable of the site history; • A review of owner/operator records; • A review of local, state, and federal regulatory agency records maintained for the site; • A written report of all findings including recommendations and conclusions.
Q.	Is a Phase I required when purchasing commercial property?
A.	Phase I environmental surveys are generally required by banks prior to granting a mortgage on a commercial property.
Q.	What is typically included in a Phase II?
A.	TheA Phase II entails the sampling and laboratory analysis of soil, water, air and building materials including but not limited to: • Ground penetrating radar (GPR) survey • Geo-probe services to acquire groundwater and sub surface samples • Underground storage tank investigations • Above ground storage tank investigations • Surface soil sampling • Asbestos sampling • Lead sampling • Storm drain and leaching pool investigations with appropriate sampling • Septic system investigations with appropriate sampling • Hazardous waste samples • Co-ordination with appropriate governmental agencies • Indoor air quality testing and investigations.