Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs)

Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) are designed to identify any Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs) that may be present on a property.

If RECs are identified during a Phase 1 ESA, a more detailed Phase 2 ESA may be required to investigate further and determine the extent of potential contamination.

Industrial and other complex properties typically demand more time and effort to evaluate, often resulting in higher costs due to the depth of research and review needed.

According to ASTM standards, an “environmental professional” must sign off on a Phase 1 ESA. This ensures the assessment meets industry and regulatory expectations.

Phase 1 ESAs are subjective by nature. Hiring a firm with deep experience helps reduce bias and increases the accuracy and reliability of the findings.

A Phase 1 ESA is valid for six months. After that, it can be updated within one year, but if significant changes have occurred on or around the property, it’s often best to commission a new assessment.

• Prepare and distribute owner and user questionnaires
• Interview site tenants, property owners, local officials, and other key sources

• Analyze federal, state, local, and municipal environmental database records

• Review historic land use, previous environmental reports, and historic permits (including USTs)

• Conduct a physical site visit of the subject and surrounding properties

• Document conditions through site photography

• Review aerial photographs

• Evaluate Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps for historical site activity

• Assess local geology, soil characterization, and groundwater use

• Review building department records, tax assessments, and title documents

• Deliver a detailed report summarizing findings with recommendations, if applicable