An Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is the process by which a person or entity seeks to determine if a particular parcel of real property is subject to Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs), Historical Recognized Environmental Conditions (HRECs), or Controlled Recognized Environmental Conditions (CRECs). At the option of the user an ESA may include more inquiry than that constituting AAI or, if the user is not concerned about qualifying for landowner liability protections (LLP) under Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) law, less inquiry than that constituting AAI.

Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs) – The presence or likely presence of any hazardous substance or petroleum products in, on, or at a property: (1) due to release to the environment; (2) under conditions indicative of a release to the environment; or (3) under conditions that pose a material threat of a future release to the environment.

Historical Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs) – a past release of any hazardous substances or petroleum products that has occurred in connection with the property and has been addressed to the satisfaction of the applicable regulatory authority or meeting unrestricted use criteria established by a regulatory authority, without subjecting the property to any required controls (for example, property use restrictions, activity and use limitations, institutional controls, or engineering controls).

Controlled Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs) – a recognized environmental condition resulting from a past release of hazardous substances or petroleum products that has been addressed to the satisfaction of the applicable regulatory authority, with hazardous substances or petroleum products allowed to remain in place subject to the implementation of required controls.

A typical Phase I ESA takes 10 to 15 working days. A rush project can be negotiated for an expedited fee.

The cost of a Phase I ESA is determined by several factors including size, location, and types of current and historical operations onsite. Contact us for a personalized quote for your unique property. Quotes and initial consultations are always free.

If you are buying a commercial property, you need a Phase I ESA. If you are a commercial real estate investor, developer or lender, you need a Phase I ESA. If you are selling a commercial property, a Phase I ESA is a great tool to have for potential purchasers to review.

Typically a Phase I ESA is performed first. The Phase I ESA will include Findings, Conclusions, and Recommendations sections which will detail whether or not a Phase II is recommended.

Contact us and we will provide a free initial consultation to help you navigate the logistics of regulatory compliance issues.