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Site Assessments

Environmental Site Assessments – ASTM, ISO and USEPA Protocols

Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) typically fall into two (2) categories: Phase I ESAs and Phase II ESAs. A Phase I ESA consists of a property evaluation that includes: a regulatory and facility records review; a site reconnaissance; interviews with owners or property managers; visual inspections; and report generation identifying recommendations for further inquiry; all with the goal of identifying recognized environmental conditions at a site. A Phase II ESA goes beyond a Phase I ESA, as its aim is to determine the presence or absence of environmental contamination. Thus, a Phase II ESA involves sampling of soils, groundwater, sediment, and other environmental media as appropriate for the property. The Phase II ESA sampling is typically based on the findings of a Phase I ESA.

ENVISION conducts Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments as part of commercial real estate transactions. These assessments are conducted according to the requirements of the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment standard promulgated by the AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS (ASTM Standard E 1527-05) and the Environmental Assessment of Sites and Organizations (EASO) standard promulgated by the INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS ORGANIZATION (ISO Standard 14015). ENVISION can include out-of-scope considerations as a part of these assessments (typically radon, lead-based paint, and asbestos-containing building materials) depending upon a client’s specific needs. If appropriate, ENVISION makes sure that our assessments qualify our clients for protection from CERCLA liability through the USEPA’s All Appropriate Inquiry (AAI) Rule. Purchasers of contaminated property, including parties receiving federal Brownfields grants, must follow the procedures promulgated in the AAI Rule in order to receive protection from CERCLA liability.

ENVISION can also review Phase I and Phase II ESAs that have been performed by others at a property. Depending on the circumstances, our clients are buyers or sellers involved in a property transaction, or current owners of the property that are seeking a better understanding of these historical assessments and their accuracy relative to current conditions, financial issues and regulatory impacts.