Environmental
Site Assessments
Phase I ESA
In today’s busy real estate market, businesses and lending institutions
are often requiring a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) to be
conducted prior to any transactions of land or building purchases, new
development and bank loans.
The Empirical Company performs all Phase I ESA’s in conformance with the
scope and limitations of the American Society for Testing and Materials
(ASTM) standard E-1527-05. The purpose for conducting an ESA is to
assess any current or historical land use practices and to identify the
presence of any hazardous substances or petroleum products on or
adjacent to the property of interest.
Conducting an ESA limits the potential for the owner or lender of the
property from being named as a potentially responsible party. The
Empirical Company conducts all three phases of Environmental Site
Assessments.
Site contamination.
Detailed Reports
The Empirical Company includes the following information in all
professional detailed Phase I ESA reports.
1. Historical review of property
2. Hydrogeologic conditions
3. Government environmental database review
4. Inspection of property and surrounding areas
5. Interviews with owners and occupants
6. Site plan of the property
7. Digital photographs
8. Aerial photographs
9. Statement of qualifications
10. Conclusions regarding potential liabilities
11. Recommendations.
Phase II ESA
The Phase II Environmental Site Assessment evaluates potential sources that may be contaminated, such as air quality, soil and water. Samples are collected from the above mentioned sources and are analyzed for particular constituents of concern by EPA approved laboratories.
Phase III ESA
Depending on analytical results obtained from the laboratory a Phase III Environmental Site Assessment may be recommended. A Phase III includes the design, regulatory filings, and actual remediation or removal of hazardous materials such as underground storage tanks, waste drums contaminated soils, and asbestos.
Process of the ESA
Determination of environmental condition and identification of potential
contamination on a piece of land is one of the most important steps in a
real estate transaction.
For reliable investigations of possible contamination, and for official
documentation of property conditions and remediation services, The
Empirical Company offers Phase I, Modified Phase I, Phase II and Phase
III Environmental Site Assessments (ESA’s).
Phase I and Phase II ESA’s notify potential buyers of property contamination problems before
purchase, insuring that the buyer will avoid liability and/or costs
associated with cleanups.
Phase III ESA services aid the property owner in
cost-effective remediation efforts.
Identifying Contamination
The likelihood of contamination is usually
identified during a Phase I environmental site assessment. To establish
the presence of actual contamination on site, a more comprehensive
investigation is undertaken. The process of a Phase II ESA involves
sampling and assessment of soil, groundwater, and surface water as well
as the assessment of buildings and structures. Depending on the planned
use of a piece of land, different environmental criteria are applied in
the assessment. Where necessary, an environmental cleanup involving
remediation of soil, surface water, groundwater and sediments is
undertaken.
In industrial settings, an assessment and decommissioning of process
equipment is often required. Where possible, recycling is attempted.
The Empirical Company performs property hazard assessment evaluations
that typically involve reviewing site records to establish occupant
histories of the site and neighboring properties and to determine the
potential presence of chemical contaminants; designing sampling
strategies; and collecting air, water, soil, wipe, bulk, and other
samples for analysis.
The Empirical Company For All Your Industrial Hygiene
Consulting
Get in Touch - Contact the Empirical Company today.
