A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is a comprehensive evaluation designed to identify potential environmental liabilities associated with a property. The scope of a Phase I ESA typically includes the following components:

Records Review: This involves examining historical and current records related to the property and its surrounding area. This includes reviewing land title records, historical aerial photographs, fire insurance maps, and environmental databases to identify any past uses that might have led to contamination.

Site Reconnaissance: A physical inspection of the property is conducted to observe current conditions and uses. This includes looking for signs of contamination, such as distressed vegetation, chemical spills, or storage tanks.

Interviews: Interviews are conducted with current and past property owners, occupants, and local government officials to gather information about the property's history and any known environmental issues.

Report Preparation: The findings from the records review, site reconnaissance, and interviews are compiled into a comprehensive report. This report includes an assessment of any recognized environmental conditions (RECs) and recommendations for further investigation if necessary.

The goal of a Phase I ESA is to identify any potential environmental risks before a property transaction, helping to protect buyers and lenders from unforeseen liabilities. If any RECs are identified, a Phase II ESA may be recommended to further investigate the extent of contamination.

For more detailed information on our Phase I ESA services, you can visit our Environmental Due Diligence page here. If you have any further questions or need assistance, feel free to contact us at 281-501-6100 or through our contact page.