Phase I Environmental Site Assessments
A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, or Phase I ESA, is a screening tool that determines whether a property’s environmental quality may have been impacted by Recognized Environmental Conditions, defined as the presence, likely presence, or potential presence of hazardous substances or petroleum products in, on, or at a subject property due to the release to the environment, likely release to the environment, or a material threat of a future release the environment. When confirmed or suspected Recognized Environmental Conditions are identified, a follow-up Phase II Environmental Site Assessment is needed where environmental samples are collected, analyzed and compared to applicable regulatory standards.
The Phase I ESA was developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials in 1993 (ASTM E1527-93). There are currently two acceptable versions the ASTM Phase I Standard; the 2013 and 2021 standards. The 2013 version included the addition of a Tier I Vapor Encroachment Screen, which determines whether there actually is or is a potential for volatile organic vapors to encroach upon the subject property, producing a vapor encroachment condition. Some of the biggest changes to the 2021 standard includes redefining Recognized Environmental Conditions, the shelf life of a Phase I ESA report, and data gaps. While the 2021 standard has helped create conformity in the industry, our clients should not expect to see a significant difference in the quality or outcome of ACT’s assessments using either the 2013 or 2021 standards.
ACT’s Phase I ESA includes a thorough site inspection, a review of historical property information, a review of federal, state and municipal databases and preparation of a Phase I ESA report. A typical Phase I ESA takes three weeks to complete but can be completed in as little as 48-hours if required. As part of ACT’s mission to provide inexpensive environmental site assessments and remedial services to clients, we pride ourselves in saving time and money by providing our clients the option of performing a Phase I ESA simultaneously with a Phase II ESA.
Diagram of an Example PropertyNeed an updated Phase I ESA? ACT can prepare abbreviated assessments such as a Transaction Screen or an Environmental Source Review. Contact ACT for our free expertise in finding the right environmental assessment for your project.