Environmental Site Assessments
Phase I
The Phase I ESA is performed to determine the “potential” for environmental impairment to a property. This goal is achieved through comprehensive research and documentation of the site’s history and surroundings, as well as a visual inspection of the property’s physical and environmental features.

A Phase I ESA shall have four components:

• Records Review - the purpose of the records review is to obtain and review records that will help identify recognized environmental conditions in connection with the subject property.
  1. Environmental Records Review: a computer data search for the Federal, State and County records are required.
             
  2. Physical Setting Sources: a Topographical Map showing the area and the property shall be reviewed for physical settings.
             
  3. Historical Use Information: objective of consulting historical sources is to develop a history of the previous uses of the property and surrounding area, in order to help identify the likelihood of past uses having led to recognized environmental conditions in connection with the property. This search requires identification back to 1940 if available and every five years through the present.
• Site Reconnaissance - the objective is to obtain information indicating the likelihood of identifying recognized environmental conditions in connection with the property by visually and physically observing the property and surrounding areas. The environmental professional will note the current and past uses of the property and the adjoining properties. All pertinent data in conjunction with the property and surrounding areas.
• Interviews - the objective is to obtain information indicating recognized environmental conditions in connection with the property. Interviews could be conducted with the owner, occupants and/or key site managers. The content of the questions to be asked shall attempt to obtain information about uses and conditions of the site at present and in the past. If environmental conditions are present, an interview with the local governmental agency should be conducted to garner further information about the particular site details.
• Report - the report findings should generally follow the recommended report format as described above. The report should include documentation to support the analysis, opinions, and conclusions found in the report. The report shall name the environmental professionals (EP) involved in conducting the Phase I ESA, along with either a statement of qualifications of the EP or a written statement of qualifications for the EP responsible for the Phase I and the corporate qualifications. The Report shall be signed by both the EP and the corporate representative. The opinions, findings and conclusions shall address any recognized environmental concerns. The report should state either: “This assessment has revealed no evidence of recognized environmental conditions in connection with the property” or “This assessment has revealed no evidence of recognized environmental conditions in connection with the property except for the following: (list).” Any and all deletions and deviations from this format should be clearly stated and the reasons for the change. All additional services should be identified as well.

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