Environmental Site Assessments

A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is a report prepared for a real estate holding which identifies potential or existing environmental contamination liabilities. The analysis, often called a Phase I ESA, typically addresses both the underlying land as well as physical improvements to the property; however, techniques applied in a Phase I ESA never include actual collection of physical samples or chemical analyses of any kind. Scrutiny of the land includes examination of potential soil contamination, groundwater quality, surface water quality and sometimes issues related to hazardous substance uptake by biota. The examination of a site may include: definition of any chemical residues within structures; identification of possible asbestos containing building materials; inventory of hazardous substances stored or used on site; assessment of mold and mildew; and evaluation of other indoor air quality parameters[1].

The Phase II is an "intrusive" type assessment, which means sampling will be conducted in those areas identified as concerns. Additional subsurface investigations and sampling activities can include:

  • Subsurface soil and groundwater investigations and analyses on both the property and neighboring properties
  • Underground storage tank (UST) integrity testing and removal activities
  • Septic system, potable well water, and floor drain discharge point evaluations
  • Asbestos survey
  • PCBs, asbestos containing materials (ACMs), lead-based paint (LBP), and radon sampling
  • Mold/fungal investigations

The goal of the Phase III is simply to identify the most appropriate remedial solution to the problem and remediate it. During the Phase III, additional sampling analysis is conducted so the site is "characterized," which means the extent of contamination is known, and remedial action steps or corrective measures are determined and reported to the site owner. Lastly, the remedial action plan is implemented.