Real estate that is the subject of a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, (ESA) undergoes a thorough and detailed investigation of the property's history.
An ESA is a report prepared by AAI qualified Environmental Professionals for a real estate holding that identifies potential or existing environmental contamination liabilities. This environmental assessment is created in strict accordance to ASTM E 1527-05 and AAI, so that CERCLA liability protection requirements are met.
Although the scope of Phase I Assessments vary, the items listed below are common tasks completed in most Phase I ESAs:
- Performance of an on-site visit to view present conditions (chemical spill residue, etc.); hazardous substances or petroleum products usage (presence of AST’s/ UST’s, storage of chemicals, etc.); and evaluate any likely environmentally hazardous site history.
- Evaluation of neighboring properties that pose potential threats to the integrity of a site
- 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)
- Examine municipal or county planning files to check prior land usage and permits granted
- Conduct file searches with public agencies having oversight relative to water quality and soil contamination.
- Examine historic aerial photography of the locale as well as current USGS maps to scrutinize drainage patterns and topography.
- Study chain-of-title for Environmental Liens and/or Activity and Land Use Limitations (AULs).
Several additional items which can be reviewed in a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment:
- Asbestos Containing Building Materials (ACBM)
- Lead-based Paint
- Lead-contaminated Drinking Water
- Mold
- Radon
- Wetlands
- Mercury poisoning
- Debris flow
