Environmental Site Assessments

The Phase I Environmental Site Assessment is performed in substantial conformance to the latest version of ASTM International Standard E-1527. This is the recognized standard for environmental site assessments. The basic theory is to take the subject property back to the bare ground and work forward to identify what has been on and around the subject property. A Phase I is considered All Appropriate Inquiry (AAI) and proper due diligence by the EPA prior to a property being purchased. With the completion of a Phase I, the owner of the property can apply for the “innocent land owner” defense if an undisclosed environmental issue is discovered after the fact, as long as the owner has not contributed to the issue.

ESA performs Limited Phase II Assessments for established clients but typically will provide referrals for other companies to perform this work. Since ESA‘s primary work is Phase I Environmental Site Assessments, we feel it is a conflict of interest to perform the Phase I work, have to recommend extensive Phase II work, and then hand you a proposal to perform the Phase II assessment. We will want you to be able to trust our Phase I conclusion with no “axe to grind” or hint of using the Phase I as a spring board into the usually more costly Phase II assessment.

The Limited Environmental Due Diligence:  Transaction Screen Assessment (TSA) is performed in substantial conformance with the most current ASTM International Standard E-1528. The TSA differs from a Phase I in that it is more of a current snapshot of a property and what is around it, driven by a 20 question questionnaire. If any question is answered “Yes”, and cannot be adequately explained, further investigation or a Phase I may be required. Unlike a Phase I, a TSA is not considered by the EPA to be proper due diligence or AAI and does not allow the property owner the use of the “innocent land owner” defense if an issue is discovered after the fact.

An RSRA is a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) product governed by SBA SOP 50 10 5. This is a records and historical documentation search, with primary emphasis on an AAI compliant enviornmental database search, historic street/city directories, and fire insurance maps for whats been on the subject property and around it, out to 1/4 mile. From this information a risk assessment is made indicting the subject property is LOW RISK or ELEVATED (HIGH) RISK. The nickname for this assessment is a “Desktop” review since the subject property is not visited and no interviews are conducted with the owner or occupant of the property. A RSRA is not considered proper due diligence or AAI by the EPA and does not allow the property owner to apply for the “innocent land owner” defence if an issue is uncovered after the fact.

Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of naturally occurring uranium in soil and rock. It is invisible, odorless and tasteless, and can only be detected by specialized tests. Radon enters homes through openings that are in contact with the ground, such as cracks in the foundation, small openings around pipes, and sump pits. ESA can perform radon assessments to determine to what extent this naturally occurring gas is present and if it is above the recommended action level specified by the EPA.

ESA‘s asbestos inspections and assessments are performed in substantial conformance with the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHAERA) and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) Regulation 8-Part B. Mr. Schardt is an AHERA and State of Colorado certified building inspector, as required by the State of Colorado.

ESA can provide assistance with environmental concerns, review of issues, and possible courses of action. One of the key consulting services we provide is as a sounding board for a property owner, involved with environmental issues when a second opinion is needed or something does not smell right. In addition, ESA can provide project management for sites where environmental remediation is required.