Phase I Environmental Site Assessments
Get help identifying Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs) pursuant to the ASTM standard with our Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs). We’ll evaluate site conditions involving hazardous substances, current and historical site use, and other historical information.
We do this by inspecting the property, performing thorough research, conducting interviews with pertinent individuals such as state and local regulatory officials and current or previous site owners and operators.
Whether you’re a purchaser, lender, owner, or developer, Phase I ESAs allow you to satisfy one of the requirements to qualify for the innocent landowner, contiguous property owner, or bona fide prospective purchaser limitations on CERCLA liability.
TEC’s Environmental Due Diligence Capabilities Include
The Phase I ESA
ASTM Standard E1527-21 (All Appropriate Inquiry or AAI)
Updated in 2021, the E1527-21 is the new standard for conducting Phase I Environmental Site Assessments. At Total Environmental Concepts, we have strong standards and practices in place that ensure we are able to meet the E1527-21 “all appropriate inquiries” for the purposes of establishing the innocent landowner defense under CERCLA. For more information about the ASTM E1527-21 Standard, you can visit the ASTM website or contact one of our experienced environmental scientists here.
ASTM Standard E1527-13 (Older Version)
The older standard practice for conducting Phase I ESAs, E1527-13 is still in use. The goal of a Phase I ESA is to identify or confirm the presence of hazardous substances or petroleum products on a property. These are identified as recognized environmental conditions (RECs).
ASTM Standard E1527-05 (Older Version)
Similar, but less involved than the AAI version, the E1527-05 standard still exists and many lending institutions still use this version due to their risk tolerance levels.
Transaction screens (TS) ASTM E1528-14Ɛ1
Transaction screens include site visits and inspections, regulatory records review, interviews with pertinent individuals and historical site research. This service is governed by an ASTM Standard Practice, however it does not meet EPA requirements for All Appropriate Inquiry and it offers limited liability protection.
Phase I research includes review of multiple regulatory databases and historical records, some of which are outlined here:
Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) Database Review
Typically, individual states maintain Leaking UST (LUST) databases containing listings of recorded LUSTs. The database can identify properties within a one-half mile radius of the site, as well as list their status as ‘open’ or ‘closed.’ Open cases represent sites that are either undergoing environmental investigation or are in some way out of compliance. Closed cases have achieved some level of regulatory compliance and considered inactive by that state.
Sanborn Fire Map Review
Sanborn Fire Map reviews take advantage of historical maps that fire departments once maintained. These maps were used to understand where potential fire hazards existed in case of emergencies and are useful today to identify the history behind different plots of land. For instance, what is now a retail clothing shop may have been a gas station 40 years ago, which presents a certain set of risks which need to be identified.
Historical Topographic Map Review
Reviewing historical maps is a common component of Phase I Site Assessments. Topographic maps can identify past property usage and areas of environmental concern as it relates to the structure/building and usage today.
Get Your Phase I ESA With Confidence
When you work with the experts at Total Environmental Concepts, you can rest assured you will get accurate and thorough information to satisfy the requirements needed for your project or land. Talk to an experienced technician today to get started.
