Owners and investors understand the impact that environmental conditions have on the cost of owning, buying, or selling commercial real estate. Environmental conditions can be extremely expensive to remediate.
ESA Phase I
The purpose is to identify potential environmental concerns related to either current or past uses of a site, and to assess the need for further investigations, if any . Our engineers Phase I Environmental site assessment studies follow the format of ASTM Standard 1527-97 and include a physical inspection of the site, a review of relevant records, and interviews with occupants, owners, neighbors and selected officials. The scope is often expanded to address issues specific to the subject property.
Components
A Phase I assessment has four components:
* Records review
* Evaluation and report
* Interviews
* Site reconnaissance
The records review, site reconnaissance, and interviews are used in concert with each other. For example, if from a review of the records it appears that a site was once used as a gasoline station, the site reconnaissance would include a close examination for signs of the presence of underground storage tanks.
The conclusion may be that the site is free of environmental concerns or, alternatively, that a Phase II assessment is required.
ESA Phase II
Sometimes, the degree or even existence of contamination cannot be confirmed without a Phase II investigation. Our Engineers can coordinate Phase II soil and groundwater investigation. We will not recommend unnecessary additional studies when the risk is deemed low.
Components
A Phase II assessment may include the following components:
Upon completion of the Phase II ESA, the conclusions may be that the site is free of serious environmental concerns; that contaminants are present but simple monitoring will suffice; or alternatively, that a Phase III ESA is required.
ESA Phase III
A Phase III ESA is conducted when it becomes evident from prior work that on-site contamination poses a threat to human health or the environment. In this situation, contaminants occur at concentrations above maximum acceptable limits, downgradient receptors are at risk, and site clean-up is required.
Components
The purpose of a Phase III ESA is to evaluate site conditions and design appropriate remedial measures. Components of a Phase III may include:
* Removal of contaminated soil
* Provision of hydraulic containment
* On-site or in situ treatment of soil or groundwater
* A monitoring plan
* A decommissioning plan
To conclude Phase III, a recommendation is made as to the most cost-effective and environmentally-appropriate remediation scheme.
