Why should you choose ALLIN Building Consultants for your Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment in Sterling, IL and Surrounding Areas?
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We have a recognized Environmental Professional (EP) and Industrial Hygienist with 30+ yrs. experience in Phase 1 ESA on staff.
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We follow the ASTM E1527-21 Standards for all our Phase 1 Assessment
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We follow the SBA 50 10 7 Standards for all our SBA Phase 1 Assessments
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We offer competitive pricing
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We have a fast turn around time for delivering Phase 1 reports (12-14 business days on average)
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FREE reliance letters. The typical rate for these are $250 to $400. We include these with our Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessments.
What is a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment?
Under the general standard ASTM E1527-21 a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is typically performed for a real estate holding that identifies potential or existing environmental contamination liabilities. The analysis, often called an ESA, typically addresses both the underlying land as well as physical improvements to the property. The Phase I ESA is generally considered the first step in the process of environmental due diligence. In general, the assessment is performed to uncover any environmental risks before purchasing a property. Phase I’s are also performed to identify if any contaminations have occurred since a last Phase I or if a property owner/manager rents the property to an entity that may have caused an environmental concern.
Standards for performing a Phase I site assessment have been promulgated by the US EPA and are based on the updated ASTM standard in Standard ASTM E1527-21. The actual sampling of soil, air, groundwater and/or building materials is typically not conducted during a Phase I ESA.
If a site is considered contaminated, a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment may be conducted, ASTM test E1903, a more detailed investigation involving chemical analysis for hazardous substances and/or petroleum hydrocarbons.
If the site has contamination, then a Phase III may be issued. A Phase III is the actual remediation/removal of the contamination.
Who should have a Phase I performed?
Any entity that is going to purchase land to be developed or is a commercial/industrial property, or leases land commercially, should have a Phase I performed. This reduces risk later on that may not have been known. Phase I’s are known to release “Landowner Liabilities”. A big misconception is a deed releases the landowner but it does not, environmentally.
What is performed in a Phase I ESA?
Records review - The examination of a site include scope items such as: definition of any chemical residues within structures; inventory of hazardous substances stored or used on site; review of Federal, State, Local and Tribal Records out to distances specified by the ASTM E1527-21 and AAI Standards (ranging from 1/8 to 1 mile depending on the database). This is:
•Examination of municipal or county planning files to check prior land usage and permits granted;
•Conduct file searches with public agencies (State water board, fire department, county health department, etc.) having oversight relative to water quality and soil contamination issues.
•Examine historic aerial photography of the vicinity.
•Examine current USGS maps to scrutinize drainage patterns and topography.
•Examine chain-of-title for Environmental Liens and/or Activity and Land Use Limitations (AULs).
In most cases, the public file searches, historical research and chain-of-title examinations are outsourced to information services that specialize in such activities.
On-site requirement - Performance of an on-site visit to view present conditions (chemical spill residue, die-back of vegetation, etc.); hazardous substances or petroleum products usage (presence of above ground or underground storage tanks, storage of acids, etc.); and evaluate any likely environmentally hazardous site history to include evaluation of risks of neighboring properties upon the subject property.
All Appropriate Inquiry (AAI) - AAI requires an interview of persons knowledgeable regarding the property history (past owners, present owner, key site manager, present tenants, and neighbors).
Non-Scope Items - include visual inspections or records review searches for:
* Asbestos Containing Building Materials (ACM)
* Lead-Based Paint
* Lead in Drinking Water
* Mold
* Radon
* Wetlands
* Threatened and Endangered Species
* Vapor intrusion
Qualifications - Under ASTM E1527-21 parameters were set forth as to who is qualified to perform Phase I ESAs. The new parameter defined an Environmental Professional as
•someone with a current Professional Engineer's or Professional Geologist's license or registration from a state or U.S. territory with 3 years equivalent full-time experience;
•have a Baccalaureate or higher degree from an accredited institution of higher education in a discipline of engineering or science and 5 years equivalent full-time experience; or
•have the equivalent of 10 years full-time relevant experience. (defined as an Environmental Professional (EP) by the guidelines of the EPA)
A person not meeting one or more of those qualifications may assist in the conduct of a Phase I ESA if the individual is under the direct supervision or responsible charge of a person meeting the definition of an Environmental Professional when concluding such activities.
Most site assessments are conducted by private companies independent of the owner or potential purchaser of the land.