Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment

What Is a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment?

A Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is a preliminary environmental investigation designed to evaluate the potential for environmental contamination at a specific property. It’s a critical tool used to identify recognized environmental conditions (RECs) that could pose a risk to human health or the environment, impacting property value and future development.

The primary goal of a Phase 1 ESA is to provide a comprehensive historical and current assessment of a property’s environmental status without physically sampling or testing soil, water, or building materials. This investigation relies heavily on visual inspections, record reviews, and interviews to identify potential sources of contamination, such as past industrial activities, underground storage tanks (USTs), or improper waste disposal practices. Essentially, it’s a thorough “look under the hood” of a property’s environmental history.

The findings of a Phase 1 ESA dictate whether further investigation, such as a Phase 2 ESA (which involves actual sampling), is necessary. By identifying potential environmental concerns early in a transaction or development project, stakeholders can make informed decisions, mitigate risks, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. 

The ultimate aim is to protect human health and the environment while safeguarding investment and property value.

Report Preparation:

The culmination of the Phase 1 ESA is a detailed report that summarizes the findings of the records review, site reconnaissance, and interviews. The report identifies any Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs), Controlled Recognized Environmental Conditions (CRECs), and Historical Recognized Environmental Conditions (HRECs). It also provides an opinion on whether further investigation (a Phase 2 ESA) is warranted.

The Phase 1 ESA may include:

• Search of official records indicating past uses and ownership of the site.
• Site Visit to observe current site conditions.
• Review of current operations at the site and chemicals which may be utilized or produced.
• Investigation of regulatory agency records to obtain copies of permits, violations and similar documents. 
• Interviews with existing and past owners, tenants, neighbors, etc.
• Obtaining/reviewing copies of site maps, aerial photographs, and city directories (if available)
• Review of information on water table, nearby water wells and water quality results
• Review prior geological or hydrogeological studies for the site or neighboring sites.

HPI Enterprises partners with The Environmental & Associates Firm in order to better serve our clients.