Environmental Site Assessments

Professional Environmental Site Assessments

Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) are critical components of commercial real estate due diligence. Our experienced environmental professionals conduct thorough Phase I ESAs following ASTM standards to identify recognized environmental conditions (RECs) and potential liabilities. These assessments provide essential protection under CERCLA's innocent landowner defense while helping you make informed investment decisions.

Whether you're purchasing, selling, refinancing, or redeveloping commercial property, our ESAs provide the comprehensive evaluation needed to understand environmental risks, negotiate effectively, and protect your financial interests.

Phase I ESA Services

Our ASTM E1527-21 compliant Phase I ESAs include:

Comprehensive site reconnaissance and property inspection
Historical research including aerial photographs and fire insurance maps
Regulatory database review (federal, state, and local records)
Interviews with property owners, operators, and local officials
Evaluation of recognized environmental conditions (RECs)
Assessment of controlled recognized environmental conditions (CRECs)
Identification of historical recognized environmental conditions (HRECs)
Business environmental risk evaluation
Vapor encroachment screening when applicable
Non-scope considerations (asbestos, lead, mold) upon request

Property Types We Assess

Shopping centers and retail properties
Office buildings and commercial complexes
Industrial and manufacturing facilities
Warehouses and distribution centers
Gas stations and automotive facilities
Dry cleaners and laundromats
Multi-family residential properties
Hotels and hospitality properties
Medical facilities and laboratories
Agricultural and vacant land

Our Comprehensive ESA Process

Proposal & Engagement: Clear scope, timeline, and pricing
Records Review: Thorough research of environmental databases
Site Inspection: Detailed property and area reconnaissance
Interviews: Key personnel familiar with property history
Historical Research: Past uses and potential contamination sources
Report Preparation: Clear findings and recommendations
Client Review: Draft report discussion and clarification
Final Delivery: Comprehensive report with all documentation

Regulatory Compliance & Standards

Our ESAs meet or exceed all applicable standards:

ASTM E1527-21 (Phase I Environmental Site Assessment)
EPA All Appropriate Inquiries (AAI) Rule
SBA environmental investigation requirements
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac environmental standards
HUD environmental review requirements
State-specific brownfield assessment standards
Lender-specific requirements and formats

Common Environmental Concerns Identified

Underground storage tanks (current and historical)
Petroleum contamination from fueling operations
Dry cleaning solvent releases (PCE, TCE)
Heavy metals from industrial operations
Pesticide/herbicide impacts from agricultural use
Asbestos-containing building materials
Lead-based paint in older structures
PCB-containing electrical equipment
Hazardous material storage and handling

Benefits of Professional ESAs

Protect your investment with comprehensive environmental due diligence:

Liability Protection: Qualify for CERCLA innocent landowner defense
Risk Identification: Discover issues before closing
Negotiation Tool: Leverage findings in purchase negotiations
Financial Planning: Understand potential cleanup costs
Regulatory Compliance: Meet lender and legal requirements
Investment Protection: Avoid costly environmental surprises
Exit Strategy: Plan for future property disposition
Peace of Mind: Make informed business decisions