Phase I Environmental Site Assessment

What is a Phase I, and Do I Really Need One?

Phase I Phase One Environmental Site Assessment, Due Diligence — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 02:01:25 +0000

I have been asked a lot recently about Phase 1s. I realize there is a lot of confusion about them. Let me try to clear the air a bit so to speak.In its simplest terms a Phase 1 is a site visit and document review of the surrounding area to determine if further investigation is advised from an environmental stand point.A Phase 1 inspection is a review of local governmental documents regarding the site to determine what the past usage of the site was along with extensive document review of the surrounding area. It also entails a very involved and detailed site visit by a qualified professional. In addition there is data base information that is gathered and reviewed of the surrounding vicinity to determine if there is a potential risk from an environmental stand point in the immediate area.

These potential risks can be anything from a past gas station on or near the site that might have contaminated the ground water to there having been a dry cleaner on the site that might have spilled chemicals into the ground. There could have been past dumping on the site or an auto repair that did not handle the oils properly, lead in the paint, asbestos, and on and on.

I think you get the picture. The focus of a Phase 1 inspection is environmental not the structure or any of the systems of the building. The systems are the focus of the general visual inspection. They are two separate areas of responsibility. Both are important. Many lending institutions require a Phase 1 clearance before they will lend money.

A Phase 1 inspection is an integral part to many commercial and industrial real estate transactions. One bank that I know of will not lend for any commercial or industrial transaction on real estate over 1.5 million dollars without a Phase I. We are hard pressed to buy anything in the Los Angeles area in the commercial or industrial real estate area for under that.

There are two other aspects to a Phase 1 that may come into play depending on what is found during the Phase 1 inspection and research. These are Phase 2 and Phase 3. As you might assume Phase 2 and Phase 3 are the more involved aspects of the environmental field. Phase 2 involves testing of the site such as coring into the earth and taking samples of the soil along with testing it to determine what is in the soil. The information during a Phase 2 will determine if the site warrants further investigation and/or to be remediated. If remediation is needed this is Phase 3.

Each environmental Phase whether it is Phase 1, 2 or 3, has a very involved set of industry standard requirements. Each requires highly trained professionals to do properly. This is not an area to skimp on. Have a reliable company with vast experience do your Phase 1 inspection. Getting the cheapest deal for something this important I feel could easily be fiscally irresponsible. A properly done Phase 1 inspection really is for everyones protection not just the buyer.

The current rate for a professionally done standard Phase 1 inspection is approx. $1800.00 - $2000.00. Just so you understand to obtain the above mentioned documents is hundreds of dollars by itself. The report ends up usually being hundreds of pages. This price does not usually change unless the site gets very large and very involved. Currently the price stated will usually handle over 90% of all commercial real estate transactions.

I hope this clears the air a bit on what a Phase 1 inspection is.

About the Author

Bob Pace has been a Certified Inspector since 1994 and a licensed contractor for nearly 4o years. For more information about commercial real estate inspections visit his website at http://www.commercialrealestateinspectors.com to find out how he can help with your real estate inspection.

Article Source: Content for Reprint

Definition of a Phase One Environmental Site Assessment (Phase I ESA)

Phase I Phase One Environmental Site Assessment, Due Diligence — Mon, 05 May 2008 04:35:46 +0000

The purpose of a Phase I ESA is to identify, to the extent feasible, recognized environmental concerns in connection with the property. This assessment included a site reconnaissance as well as research and interviews with representatives of the public, property management, and regulatory agencies.

From Wikipedia:

A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment is a report prepared for a real estate holding which identifies potential or existing environmental contamination liabilities. The analysis, often called a Phase I ESA, typically addresses both the underlying land as well as physical improvements to the property; however, techniques applied in a Phase I ESA never include actual collection of physical samples or chemical analyses of any kind. Scrutiny of the land includes examination of potential soil contamination, groundwater quality, surface water quality and sometimes issues related to hazardous substance uptake by biota. The examination of a site may include: definition of any chemical residues within structures; identification of possible asbestos containing building materials; inventory of hazardous substances stored or used on site; assessment of mold and mildew; and evaluation of other indoor air quality parameters^[1].

Actual sampling of soil, air, groundwater and/or building materials is typically not conducted during a Phase I ESA. The Phase I ESA is generally considered the first step in the process of environmental Due Diligence.

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Phase I Phase One Environmental Site Assessment, Due Diligence — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 03:53:39 +0000

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Phase I Phase One Environmental Site Assessment, Due Diligence — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:54:43 +0000

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Port Arthur is Among Recipients of $750,000 in Smart Growth Assistance Provided by EPA

Phase I Phase One Environmental Site Assessment, Due Diligence — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:00:04 +0000

*Port Arthur is Among Recipients of $750,000 in *
*Smart Growth Assistance Provided by EPA*

(DALLAS – February 3, 2012) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today named 56 communities in 26 states that will receive technical assistance through the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program. Port Arthur, Texas, is one of the communities selected to receive assistance from EPA-funded private-sector experts. The technical experts will work with the communities on actions they can take to improve the economy, the environment, and quality of life. Some examples may include improving pedestrian access and safety, incorporating green infrastructure, or conducting an economic and fiscal health assessment.

Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities is a project of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities among EPA, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The interagency collaboration coordinates federal investments in infrastructure, facilities, and services to get better results for communities and use taxpayer money more efficiently. The partnership is helping communities across the country create more housing choices, make transportation more efficient and reliable, reinforce existing investments, and support vibrant and healthy neighborhoods that attract businesses.

Port Arthur is receiving assistance in the development of a walking audit, which will help form a vision for short- and long- term improvements to sidewalks and streets.

Today’s announcement marks the second round of Building Blocks assistance. Thirty-two other communities were named in the first round in April 2011. EPA selected the 56 communities from 350 applicants through a competitive process in consultation with EPA’s regional offices, HUD, DOT, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

More information on the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities: http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htm
More information on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities: http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov [ http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov/ ]

More about activities in EPA Region 6 is available at http://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/region6.html

EPA audio file is available at http://www.epa.gov/region6/6xa/podcast/feb2012.html

# # #

For more information, contact Dave Bary or Jennah Durant at 214-665-2200 or r6press@epa.gov
________________________________________________________________________
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Corpus Christi is Among Recipients of $750,000 in Smart Growth Assistance Provided by EPA

Phase I Phase One Environmental Site Assessment, Due Diligence — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:53:51 +0000

Corpus Christi is Among Recipients of $750,000 in Smart Growth Assistance Provided by EPA
(DALLAS - February 3, 2012) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today named 56 communities in 26 states that will receive technical assistance through the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program. Corpus Christi, Texas, is one of the communities selected to receive assistance from EPA-funded private-sector experts. The technical experts will work with the communities on actions they can take to improve the economy, the environment, and quality of life. Some examples may include improving pedestrian access and safety, incorporating green infrastructure, or conducting an economic and fiscal health assessment.

Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities is a project of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities among EPA, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The interagency collaboration coordinates federal investments in infrastructure, facilities, and services to get better results for communities and use taxpayer money more efficiently. The partnership is helping communities across the country create more housing choices, make transportation more efficient and reliable, reinforce existing investments, and support vibrant and healthy neighborhoods that attract businesses.

Corpus Christi is receiving assistance in the development of a walking audit, which will help form a vision for short- and long- term improvements to sidewalks and streets.

Today’s announcement marks the second round of Building Blocks assistance. Thirty-two other communities were named in the first round in April 2011. EPA selected the 56 communities from 350 applicants through a competitive process in consultation with EPA’s regional offices, HUD, DOT, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

More information on the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities: http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htm
More information on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities: http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov [ http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov/ ]

More about activities in EPA Region 6 is available at http://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/region6.html

EPA audio file is available at http://www.epa.gov/region6/6xa/podcast/feb2012.html

# # #

For more information, contact Dave Bary or Jennah Durant at 214-665-2200 or r6press@epa.gov
________________________________________________________________________
EPA Seal
You can view or update your subscriptions or e-mail address at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page [ https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USAEPA/subscriber/edit?preferences=true#tab1 ]. All you will need is your e-mail address. If you have any questions or problems e-mail support@govdelivery.com for assistance.
This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [ http://www.epa.gov/ ].

Baton Rouge is Among Recipients of $750,000 in Smart Growth Assistance Provided by EPA

Phase I Phase One Environmental Site Assessment, Due Diligence — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:53:50 +0000

Baton Rouge is Among Recipients of $750,000 in Smart Growth Assistance Provided by EPA
(DALLAS - February 3, 2012) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today named 56 communities in 26 states that will receive technical assistance through the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program. Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is one of the communities selected to receive assistance from EPA-funded private-sector experts. The technical experts will work with the communities on actions they can take to improve the economy, the environment, and quality of life. Some examples may include improving pedestrian access and safety, incorporating green infrastructure, or conducting an economic and fiscal health assessment.

Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities is a project of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities among EPA, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The interagency collaboration coordinates federal investments in infrastructure, facilities, and services to get better results for communities and use taxpayer money more efficiently. The partnership is helping communities across the country create more housing choices, make transportation more efficient and reliable, reinforce existing investments, and support vibrant and healthy neighborhoods that attract businesses.

Baton Rouge is receiving assistance in the development of parking audits, which help the city manage parking supply and apply strategies for making the best use of parking for existing and planned land uses.

Today’s announcement marks the second round of Building Blocks assistance. Thirty-two other communities were named in the first round in April 2011. EPA selected the 56 communities from 350 applicants through a competitive process in consultation with EPA’s regional offices, HUD, DOT, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

More information on the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities: http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htm
More information on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities: http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov [ http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov/ ]

More about activities in EPA Region 6 is available at http://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/region6.html

EPA audio file is available at http://www.epa.gov/region6/6xa/podcast/feb2012.html

# # #

For more information, contact Dave Bary or Jennah Durant at 214-665-2200 or r6press@epa.gov
________________________________________________________________________
EPA Seal
You can view or update your subscriptions or e-mail address at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page [ https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USAEPA/subscriber/edit?preferences=true#tab1 ]. All you will need is your e-mail address. If you have any questions or problems e-mail support@govdelivery.com for assistance.
This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [ http://www.epa.gov/ ].

February 3, 2012

Phase I Phase One Environmental Site Assessment, Due Diligence — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:54:48 +0000

****** ****** ** ************************************* ** ** * * *** United States *** **** ** ****** * Energy Information Administration * ** ** ** ** ************************************* ****** ****** ** ** ************************************* February 3, 2012

The 2011 Form EIA-826, “Monthly Electric Utility Sales and Revenue Report with State Distributions” files have been updated and include November 2011 green pricing, net metering, and advanced metering data at the utility, state, and national levels.

The files can be accessed at: http://www.eia.gov/cneaf/electricity/page/eia826.html

For more information contact: InfoElectric@eia.gov

February 3, 2012

Phase I Phase One Environmental Site Assessment, Due Diligence — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:54:47 +0000

The Form EIA-826, “Monthly Electric Utility Sales and Revenue Report with State Distributions” files from 1990 through November 2011 are available and contain the most recent EIA state and national level data for electricity sales and revenue, and average retail electricity prices.

The files can be accessed at: http://www.eia.gov/cneaf/electricity/page/eia826.html

For more information:
InfoElectric@eia.gov

Pharmaceutical collection grants ensure safe disposal of unused drugs

Phase I Phase One Environmental Site Assessment, Due Diligence — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:53:10 +0000

Feb. 3, 2012 12-0203
For More Information Brad Wurfel, 517-373-7917, wurfelb@michigan.gov Chad Rogers, 517-373-2838, rogersc1@michigan.gov
Pharmaceutical collection grants ensure safe disposal of unused drugs
The DEQ today announced $250,000 in grants available to help communities properly dispose of household drugs throughout Michigan. Most Michigan water treatment plants and septic systems are not equipped to remove pharmaceuticals from the waste water, so proper collection and disposal are important to prevent the release of these compounds to the surface and ground water. These DEQ Community Pollution Prevention grants provide matching funds to local and tribal governments, health departments, municipalities, non-profits and regional planning agencies to aid in the development of P2 projects. The grants support local efforts to provide free household drug collection programs. The local drug collection programs also help reduce prescription drug abuse, identified as a growing problem by the Office of National Drug Control Policy. Requests for funding will be accepted from Feb. 1 through March 30. Organizations receiving grants are required to match total project costs by at least 25 percent using dollars, in-kind services, and/or third party contributions. Preference is given to projects that include community-based coalitions. Projects should be transferable and act as models to be shared with others across the state. To learn more or download a funding application, go to www.michigan.gov/documents/deq/deq-oea-communityp2-rfp_348046_7.pdf or call the DEQ Environmental Assistance Center at 1‑800‑662-9278. ###