Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Services
Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Services
When purchasing commercial property, it is always a good idea to obtain a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) to understand current and past uses of the property, along with the potential presence of environmental contamination.
Basin Environmental & Safety Technologies trained professionals have performed thousands of Phase I ESA’s for commercial, agricultural, industrial, and even residential transactions.
When you need to know whether a property is or has been contaminated, turn to Basin for all your environmental needs.
What is a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment?
A Phase I ESA is the investigation of a property (usually one being purchased) performed by an environmental professional to determine the potential presence of recognized environmental conditions (REC’s).
When conducting the ESA, the environmental professional follows standards set by ASTM (ASTM E 1527-13) which are aligned with the All Appropriate Inquiry standards in 40 CFR §312.21.
The Environmental Protection Agency defines “All appropriate inquires” as follows:
“All appropriate inquiries” is a process of evaluating a property’s environmental conditions and assessing potential liability for any contamination. All appropriate inquiries must be conducted to obtain certain protections from liability under the federal Superfund Law (CERCLA).
The term recognized environmental conditions (REC’s)
means the presence or likely presence of any hazardous substances or petroleum products in, on, or at a property:
(1) due to any release to the environment;
(2) under conditions indicative of a release to the environment; or
(3) under conditions that pose a material threat of a future release to the environment.
De minimis conditions are not recognized environmental conditions.
Contact Basin for help with your Phase I ESA
Talk with Basin About Your Phase I ESA Needs
A property buyer will want to uncover any potential liability risks related to soil and groundwater contamination before completing the purchase. Environmental professionals investigating the subject property review both current and past use of the property to determine if the potential for contamination could have occurred during the property use.
The property history is important, because there are many cases where property use has changed over time. For instance, an investor may be looking to purchase an existing retail shopping center. If a dry-cleaning business had once been a tenant of that center, there is a risk of prior contamination that would need to be assessed.
Asbestos Investigation
Another service Basin provides outside of the scope of a Phase I ESA is asbestos inspections. Basin Environmental has Oklahoma certified inspectors who can inspect the property for asbestos-containing materials ACMs. ACMs are only dangerous when they are disturbed or handled incorrectly. If ACMs are not handled properly, asbestos particles can be breathed in. Even a small amount of ACM can cause health effects. Contact Basin today if you suspect your property may contain asbestos.
Who needs a Phase I Environmental Assessment?
There are a number of factors or situations in which a Phase I assessment may be helpful or even required. Let’s start with some of the most common situations.
- Projects receiving funding from non-governmental organizations like Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or the Small Business Administration are required to complete a Phase I ESA.
- Many commercial lenders including banks and private equity firms may require a buyer to provide a Phase I ESA to secure project funding.
- Any individual or entity purchasing a commercial, agricultural, or industrial property whether is it self-funded or using third party funds.
- The owner of a commercial property who is considering selling and the property has never had a Phase I performed.
Any property with oil storage equipment poses a risk of prior site contamination that needs to be understood before buying the property.
Why get a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment?
The history of businesses in a multi tenant commercial property is important. Some, like dry cleaners, pose greater environmental risks that could be hidden.
The main reason for obtaining a Phase I ESA is to protect a buyer by providing them with information about the environmental state of the property intended for purchase. Instead of ‘buyer beware’, a Phase I can be ‘buyer aware’.
In many cases, if the purchase of a site involves lending from private or public sources, the lender may require a Phase I ESA with loan application or during the loan review process.
Aside from lending requirements, a Phase I ESA can help manage risks. If a buyer acquires a site without a Phase I and later discovers the site is contaminated, the buyer is responsible for cleaning up the contamination, something that can be very costly.
What does a Phase I Site Assessment evaluate?
Basin Environmental performs a Phase I ESA using current ASTM standards which meet the standards set by the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
A trained environmental professional will conduct a review of numerous historical documents and records combined with a physical inspection of the site grounds and building (interior and exterior). Interviews with current and previous tenants may also be included to better understand property use.
Basin Environmental professionals perform environmental remediation on a spill that contaminated soil and surface water. A Phase I ESA is designed to uncover historical spills like this to protect property buyers from future liability.
If during the assessment the environmental professional identifies Recognized Environmental Conditions (REC’s)
a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment
may be warranted. A Phase II assessment will collect and analyze samples of the potentially contaminated media to determine the type and extent of contamination.
Once the type and extent of contamination is identified, the environmental professional can provide information and costs associated with further assessment and / or remediation. This allows the buyer and/or seller to make informed decisions.
How long does it take to complete a Phase I ESA?
The amount of time needed will be based on the size and complexity of the property being evaluated.
Basin Environmental professionals have the experience to ask the appropriate questions to help provide you with an estimate of the time needed to complete a Phase I ESA. Call our team today to learn more or schedule a consultation. 405-232-5737.
Ready to Get Started?
Not sure if you need a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment? Contact Basin Environmental today and speak with one of our experienced consultants. They can help answer your questions. Call 405-232-5737.