An Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is conducted to evaluate a property for potential environmental contamination and recognized environmental conditions (RECs). This process helps property owners, buyers, lenders, and developers understand any environmental risks associated with a site before purchase, development, or financing. A typical ESA includes a review of historical records, regulatory databases, and site usage, along with a visual inspection of the property and surrounding areas. The assessment also involves interviews with owners, occupants, and local officials when necessary.
Environmental Site Assessments are commonly performed in phases:
Phase I ESA: Identifies potential or existing environmental concerns without sampling.
Phase II ESA: Involves soil, groundwater, or building material sampling to confirm the presence of contamination if concerns are identified.
Phase III ESA: Focuses on remediation planning and cleanup of confirmed contamination.
Our Environmental Site Assessment services help protect our clients from unexpected liabilities, ensure regulatory compliance, and support informed real estate and development decisions.