Simon & Associates, Inc. provides Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs).
A Phase II ESA is performed to confirm or refute the potential presence of environmental impacts. A Phase II ESA typically involves the sampling and analysis of soil, groundwater, soil vapor, and/or impacted media at a property. Typically, a more detailed scope of work will be prepared after a review of the available information and discussions with the client (and possibly the appropriate regulatory agency) regarding site specific needs.
View of a historical gasoline station and fuel pumps
View of a groundwater monitoring well
ESAs are standard procedures for commercial and industrial real estate transactions. Pre-acquisition environmental inquiry allows a prospective buyer to evaluate a property for potential environmental contamination and can provide “innocent landowner defense” to prevent Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) liability for contamination created by a previous landowner.
The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) have created due diligence guidelines that are fully compliant with the EPA’s “Standards and Practices for all Appropriate Inquiries” rule to protect those involved in real estate transactions such as merges and acquisitions, transfers, redevelopment, zoning, bank financing and foreclosures.
If Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs) are identified during the Phase I ESA, a Phase II ESA may be recommended.