Phase I Environmental Site Assessment
A variety of actions can trigger a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA), the most common being the purchase of real property by a person or entity not previously listed on the title or the contemplation of a new lender to provide a loan on the subject real estate. A Phase I ESA may also be provided in conjunction with the development or redevelopment of a property. Hillmann Consulting, LLC has been performing Phase I ESAs for over two decades for a wide variety of clientele including many preeminent financial institutions. Our assessment staff includes Environmental Professionals specifically trained to provide assessment services in compliance with the ASTM Standard E1527-05, and the USEPA All Appropriate Inquiry (AAI) rule for establishing innocent landowner, bona fide prospective purchaser and/or contiguous property owner protections.
A Phase I ESA is intended to identify potential or existing environmental liabilities on a property. This can include “recognized environmental conditions” (a condition where hazardous substance or petroleum products have or are likely to contaminate soils, groundwater or building areas) or “business environmental risk” concerns such as the presence of asbestos, lead paint, radon, IAQ/mold problems or wetlands. A multi-disciplined approached is employed when preparing a Phase I ESA for our clients. A Phase I ESA includes the thorough researching of the site use history back to 1940 or first developed use (whichever is earlier), the researching of environmental regulatory agencies and databases and a thorough physical inspection of the property. A detailed report is prepared documenting the assessment process, and providing findings, conclusions and recommendations for further investigation when warranted.