Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment - ESA By Testing Service Corporation

What is a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA)?

The purpose of a Phase 1 ESA is to evaluate a property to determine its contamination risk potential and/or to determine the existing environmental contamination liabilities for a property as part of due diligence. In general, a Phase 1 ESA assesses a property for existing or potential environmental contamination risks that pose a threat to both humans and the environment.

What is the Phase 1 Site Assessment process?

Document and Historical Review

The first step of a Phase I ESA is performing a records review. The records review initiates with submittals of information requests for regulatory records from local and state agencies (i.e. building department records, fire department records, local health department records, state agency records, etc.); the collection and review of historical records from readily available sources (i.e. historical topographic maps, historical aerial photographs, city directories, Sanborn Maps, etc.); and the collection and review of physical setting data (i.e. geological, topographical, soil surveys, etc.).

Review of these records help to develop a site-specific ‘environmental snapshot’ prior to performing an on-site reconnaissance. This review may identify Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs), both on-site or on adjoining properties to further investigate, such as: evidence of fill activities, commercial occupants of concern (i.e. dry-cleaning tenants in a shopping center, the current or historical presence of a gas station), or manufacturing activities involving the use of hazardous substances.

In-Person Site Survey

The second step in the Phase 1 ESA process is to perform a site reconnaissance which consists of an in-person on-site observation to further assess any concerns that may have been identified during the records review as well as assess any potential environmental concerns currently on the Subject Property.

Observations of the interiors of all structures on a property provides a thorough reconnaissance. In addition to observations of the property, conditions and potential environmental risks from adjoining properties are also assessed.

Interview

The third step in the Phase 1 ESA process involves interviews (i.e. property owners, occupants, prior occupants, governmental officials). Interviewing a property owner, or their representative, regarding their historical ownership, occupancy and uses of the property may assist in identifying a REC. For example, an interview may reveal the presence of a heating oil underground storage tank (UST) that was not revealed in any records research nor was evidence of a UST observed during the reconnaissance. Interviews may be performed prior to, during, or post-performance of the site reconnaissance.

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Environmental Report

The final step in the Phase 1 Site Assessment process is presenting the records review, site reconnaissance, and interview information into a Phase 1 ESA report, including our findings (i.e. no RECs, RECs, etc.).

What type of things might a Phase 1 reveal?

There is a wide range of possibilities on what a Phase I ESA might reveal. The best outcome for a Phase I ESA is that no evidence of a REC was identified and no recommendation for further evaluation is needed. Common RECs encountered include the current or past presence of underground storage tanks (USTs) on-site, historical activities on-site involving the use of petroleum products and/or hazardous substances, the current or past presence of a dry cleaner on-site or adjoining properties, and fill soils present on-site from an unknown origin. Should any RECs be identified, we will likely recommend assessment of conditions at the site via a soil and groundwater evaluation, also known as a Phase II site assessment

How long will it take to get my Phase 1 Report?

Usual turnaround time is around 3 to 4 weeks. However, we pride ourselves in being able to go the extra mile for our clients and we can sometimes expedite the process.

What types of clients usually request a site assessment?

Over the years, we've worked with many different types of clients, including large real estate developers, commercial developers, local municipalities, and alternative energy source providers including solar and wind. TSC has proven time and again we can handle a diverse set of project types and sizes.

Why choose TSC over another company?

• Thouroughly Training Environmental Professionals
• Locally available
• Detailed Reporting

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