Environmental consulting services
Phase I ESA
Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) are a risk management tool used to evaluate commercial real estate properties. Phase I ESA reports include an extensive historical review of property development, former tenant operations, and regulatory compliance issues. Our environmental consultants have a detailed understanding of the risk associated with hazardous and regulated materials storage, use, generation and disposal, above ground and underground storage tanks (ASTs/USTs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). We will provide a concise technical report with fully developed conclusions and recommendations so our clients can manage risk and make informed business decisions.
What we look at
- Historical, regulatory, and chain-of-title review
- Site reconnaissance for Recognized Environmental Conditions
- Screening for ASTs and USTs, PCBs, asbestos, lead-based paint, radon, and mold
- Clear Findings, Conclusions, and Recommendations
Phase II ESA
When a Phase I identifies a concern, a Phase II evaluates actual onsite conditions. We use field and laboratory methods to confirm or rule out suspected Recognized Environmental Conditions, guided by the regulatory requirements affecting remediation.
What we look at
- Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and air monitoring
- Soil, soil gas, and groundwater sampling
- Laboratory analysis to confirm or rule out RECs
- Guidance aligned to remediation requirements
Asbestos Sampling
Determine whether interior building products contain asbestos fibers, a known carcinogen still present in many existing buildings. We partner with a local Licensed Asbestos Consultant to deliver the reporting agencies require before renovation or demolition.
What we look at
- Sampling of interior building materials
- Partnered Licensed Asbestos Consultant (LAC)
- Reporting for renovation and demolition permits
- Protects workers and occupants
Compliance Assistance
We help you navigate the often complicated demands of local, state, and national regulatory agencies, confirm whether your property meets permitting requirements, and help you respond to violation notices and warning letters.
What we look at
- Local, state, and national agency navigation
- Permitting compliance review
- Response to violation notices and warning letters
- Trusted by banks, lenders, insurers, investors, and owners
The assessment process
A typical Phase I ESA takes 10 to 15 working days. A rush project can be negotiated for an expedited fee. Explore the assessment process below.
01Scope & kickoff
We confirm the property boundaries, your objectives, and whether you are seeking landowner liability protections under CERCLA. This defines the level of inquiry and locks the timeline.
02Historical & records review
We reconstruct the property history through aerial photos, city directories, fire insurance maps, and chain of title, then pull federal, state, and local environmental databases for the site and surrounding area.
03Site reconnaissance
A site visit documents current conditions and looks for evidence of storage tanks, staining, chemical use, PCBs, and other indicators of Recognized Environmental Conditions.
04Interviews & regulatory
We interview owners, occupants, and local officials, and review regulatory files to corroborate findings and close any data gaps.
05Report & recommendations
You receive a concise technical report with Findings, Conclusions, and Recommendations, including whether a Phase II ESA is warranted.
Discuss your propertyWho we serve
New Development
New development projects require Phase I ESAs to evaluate risks from historical practices on specific parcels of land.
Industrial Properties
Industrial properties have unique environmental risk factors based on hazardous substances used in manufacturing and wastes generated by industrial processes.
General Commercial
We have extensive experience evaluating all types of commercial properties including multifamily complexes, hotels, shopping centers, hospitals, gas stations, day care centers, schools, office buildings, and more.
Have a question?
We’re happy to answer your questions and discuss how we can help.