Phase I Environmental Site Assessment
A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (otherwise known as a Phase I ESA) summarizes a complete visit at the site while recording a thorough review of the property along with its surrounding area. This is done primarily to determine whether or not there is any need for additional investigation in order to fully understand the liability risks that could possibly be associated with that specific property. By using a systematic approach in order to identify these environmental conditions, an industry standard can be set and maintained consistently across the board regardless of the area.
The Records Review Process
The first stage of an ESA Phase I is the records review process, which consists of such steps as reviewing the chain of title as well as determining the way in which surrounding land is being used. There is also a review that is conducted of the historical aerial photograph that focuses on the developmental timeline of that area. Local agencies (such as fire departments and local health departments) are also contacted in order to gather pertinent information about the area.
The Site Reconnaissance
A significant role within the Environmental Site Assessment Phase I is played by the visual inspection of the actual property as well. During this stage, each of the boundary measurements of the actual property are thoroughly inspected and observed. Detailed photographs are captured of the property, but there is no type of physical testing and sampling that is conducted during the first phase of this assessment.
The Interview and Final Reporting Stages
The interviewing stage of this particular process is also conducted with any person that would be able to offer any pertinent information that is needed for this report, such as former and current property managers as well as tenants and owners. If the surrounding areas present a major concern, an interview can be conducted with the people associated with those properties as well.
The final stage of the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment is the reporting stage, which calls for official documentation of the findings and conclusions that have been gathered and collected during the actual assessment. If there are any additional investigations that are necessary, they are recommended within this particular stage of the process and then executed accordingly. All significant data gaps affect the overall evaluation of the property need to be identified as well before a conclusion of the recognized environmental conditions can be reached and finalized.
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