Environmental Site Assessments

Professional Environmental Site Assessments

Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) are a critical part of commercial real estate due diligence, providing a structured evaluation of environmental conditions that may impact a property's value, risk profile, or regulatory standing. Our environmental professionals conduct thorough Phase I ESAs in full accordance with ASTM standards to identify recognized environmental conditions (RECs), assess potential liabilities, and ensure compliance with industry best practices.

These assessments also support CERCLA’s innocent landowner defense, offering essential liability protection and enabling clients to move forward with confidence. Whether you are purchasing, selling, refinancing, or redeveloping commercial property, our comprehensive ESA process provides the detailed insights needed to evaluate environmental risks, negotiate from a position of strength, and safeguard 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