Environmental Site Assessment (ESA)
Frequently Asked Questions
A Phase I ESA is an environmental assessment on a parcel of property to identify, to the extent feasible, recognized environmental conditions (existing and potential) in connection with the property. Components of this assessment include a site reconnaissance, as well as research and interviews with representatives of the public, property management, review of historical documentation including records of use of the site and surroundings, review of Sanborn maps and pertaining federal, state, city and local regulatory agencies database.
Often times, lending institution require you to get a Phase I ESA on your property prior to property transfer, loan approval or the closing of industrial and commercial real-estate transactions to determine if recognized environmental conditions exist on the property. In addition, a prospective purchaser or landowner may decide to get a Phase I ESA during a real estate transaction to understand the environmental condition of the Site and as basis for justifying due diligence satisfies the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act’s (CERCLA) requirements for Landowner Liability Protections.
Phase I ESAs offer in-depth assessment of historical and current site history/usage, regulatory agency records, as well as a visual field inspection to identify existing or potential concerns. Phase II ESAs are typically conducted after Phase I ESAs are done and are a more thorough investigation of on-Site conditions. Phase II ESAs involve drilling, sampling and laboratory analysis to ascertain the environmental condition of a site with greater precision.
Phase II ESAs are performed when Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs) are identified at a subject property. Phase II ESAs are conducted to understand the subsurface environmental quality of the site in greater detail. Phase II ESAs are also performed to satisfy the NYC E-Designation process for sites that have been rezoned and now carry an E-designation for “HAZMAT”.
As per EPA and ASTM regulations, only Environmental Professionals can perform Environmental Site Assessments. American Environmental has experienced Geologist, Engineers and Environmental Scientists conducting all aspects of projects assuring that you get the best possible results.
A Phase I ESA typically takes 3 – 4 weeks to complete. Expedited options are also available.
A Phase II ESA typically takes 4-5 weeks to complete.
Yes! American Environmental offers expedited Phase I ESAs. Email us your request and we will be happy to assist you in meeting your due diligence deadline.
If RECs were identified on your property, further investigation is needed. A Phase II ESA should be conducted to identify presence/absence of any contaminants on the Site. If no contaminants are found, your Environmental Due Diligence is complete.
If the Phase II ESA identified contaminants on your property, remedial environmental measures should be performed to address the contamination. A site-specific Remedial Action Plan should be designed. American Environmental is highly experienced in site remediation and can assist in all remedial design, regulatory approvals and successful cleanups.