What is a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment?
A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (Phase I ESA), is a screening tool that determines whether a property’s environmental quality may have been impacted by Recognized Environmental Conditions. When confirmed or suspected Recognized Environmental Conditions are identified, a follow-up Phase II Environmental Site Assessment is needed where environmental samples are collected, analyzed and compared to applicable regulatory standards.
The industry standard Phase I ESA was developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) in 1993. There currently are two acceptable ASTM Phase I Standards. The 2013 Standard includes a Tier I Vapor Encroachment Screen and is used primarily for residential properties, while the 2005 Standard does not and for that reason is used primarily for commercial and industrial zoned real estate.
What You Get with ACT’s Phase I Environmental Site Assessment
ACT’s Phase I ESA includes a site inspection, review of historical property information, review of federal, state and municipal databases and preparation of a Phase I ESA report. A typical Phase I Environmental Site Assessment takes 3 weeks to complete, but can be completed in as little as 48 hours at an additional charge. Where environmental conditions are suspected, a Phase I ESA can be performed simultaneously with a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment, saving both time and money.
When only an updated Phase I ESA is needed or exclusively residential properties are involved, abbreviated assessments such as a Transaction Screen or an Environmental Source Review can be prepared. Contact ACT for its free expertise in finding the right environmental assessment for your project.