Environmental Site Assessments (ESA)

What does an Environmental Site Assessment involve?

A complete Environmental Site Assessment can involve three Phases (phase I, Phase II or Phase III), depending upon the size, type, construction and location of the property; the past and present intended use(s) of the property; and availability and access to complete records of the property.

Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment:

The Phase I Environmental Site Assessment intends to satisfy the due diligence requirements of a property transaction using ASTM or client-specific guidelines by identifying possible environmental impairments on a particular property.

• A physical survey of the property and surrounding properties to assess general land use and occupants of the area;
• An on-site visual inspection of the site to identify recognized environmental concerns.
• A review of data regarding the local geology and hydrology;
• An assessment of current and past uses and practices of the property with particular attention given to assessing if any hazardous material or waste practices have occurred at the site.
• As assessment of the historic land use and development of the property through an interpretation of fire insurance maps, city directories, and/or aerial photographs of the site and interviews with persons knowledgeable of the site history;
• A review of owner/operator records; and
• A review of local, state, and federal regulatory agency records maintained for the site.
• A written report of all findings including recommendations and conclusions.

Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment:

Phase II Site Assessments are recommended by Phase I Site Assessments, if necessary. They provide a more comprehensive and detailed review of a site and a facility to further evaluate suspected environmental impairments and the extent of surface and subsurface contamination.

Based on a properly executed Phase I report, a Phase II should consist of:
  

1. The physical sampling of the site, using the recommendations of the Phase I report as a minimum guideline. 
    
2. A comprehensive written report detailing the rationale for the sampling that took place, the sampling protocols and procedures employed, an explanation of the analytical results, and, if necessary, a description of the recommended remedial action needed to restore the site to the appropriate condition for its intended use.

Phase 3 Environmental Site Assessment:

The primary objective of a Phase III ESA is to investigate the nature and extent of adverse environmental impact identified by the Phase II ESA, to determine the potential risk to human health and the environment, and, if required, to develop a Remedial Action Plan (RAP).

Based on a properly performed Phase II report, a Phase III shall consist of:

• The design and implementation of the remediation of the site.  
• All necessary reports and permits to achieve cleanup of the site to agreed upon site specific standards.

Call Bates Consulting, Inc. to discuss an Environmental Site Assessment at: 607-734-7900

or Order an Environmental Site Assessment online.