Phase I Environmental Site Assessment

phase1-bNDDS’ Environmental Site Assessment teams are experts in identifying environmental conditions and contamination liabilities. Our in-house and nationwide professionals provide a growing need for identifying, protecting and keeping your project in compliance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations. Assessments are performed in accordance with the most recent ASTM Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment. Our licensed assessors will give you peace of mind while easing your environmental concerns and keep your project on track.

As a buyer, it is imperative to understand the property being acquired and its surroundings. It is also important to know that a Phase I is typically required by lenders. Not only is it necessary to make an informed decision about whether or not to proceed with the acquisition, but also to budget for the initial phase, examine the potential risk for operation and resale of the property, gain knowledge of issues that need to be addressed by the seller, and plan for expenses well into the future.

An Environmental Site Assessment such as a Phase I, provides a clear picture of possible environmental contamination and the type of impact it has on the environment. Phase I’s identify evidence of the presence, or likely presence, of hazardous substances or petroleum products on a property that indicate an existing or past release or material threat of future release. Under federal and state laws, the owners of real property can be liable for cleanup of hazardous substances and petroleum products released at the property. This is true even if the release occurred before the owner became involved in the property. As a result, related cleanup costs have a direct and sometimes overwhelming impact on the value of real estate. Related impacts on cash flow, leasing, resale and the ability to obtain financing should be taken into consideration.

The Phase I ESA consists of:

  • Site reconnaissance
  • Research of regulatory and historical record sources
  • Client-provided information
  • Completion of selective interviews to identify evidence of the presence or likely presence of hazardous substances or petroleum products at the property under conditions that indicate an existing or past release or material threat of future release, defined by the standard as a Recognized Environmental Condition (REC)

NDDS can provide customized additional services to help satisfy these requirements and can vary depending upon client-specific scope of work, local and Government agencies, SBA requirements, and Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae requirements.

Additional Environmental Sampling can include:

  • Asbestos – sampling
  • Lead based paint – sampling
  • Lead in drinking water – contact water supplier to ensure compliance with Federal laws
  • Radon – sampling

Additional Environmental Services:

  • Asbestos Surveys
  • Lead Inspections
  • Radon Assessments
  • Vapor Intrusion Assessments
  • Various Agency Assessment Reports

NDDS is also able to provide a full Phase II if recommended by our assessor on the Phase I report. Our Phase II report includes the entire scope of work in the Phase I, but will include an additional physical collection sample and analytical confirmation of suspect contaminants.

Phase I ESA Sample

ASTM Standard Update

Contact your NDDS Representative for more information