Environmental Site Assessment (Phase I)
Riverbend Environmental is a leading environmental firm in Georgia, recognized for our extensive experience in conducting Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (Phase I ESA) for a wide range of purposes. These include commercial real estate transactions, lender financing, owner refinancing, foreclosures, and various other programs. Our Phase 1 ESAs adhere to multiple program requirements, such as:
- ASTM Standard Practice E1527-21
- All Appropriate Inquiry 40 CFR Part 312
- SBA SOP 50 10 5 (C)
- Specific Lender Requirements
- among others.
Our team, comprised of seasoned professionals with a minimum of 10 years of experience, ensures that each Phase I ESA is conducted with the utmost expertise and attention to detail. We pride ourselves on offering cost-effective solutions and have the capacity to handle multi-site portfolios, even with tight deadlines.
At Riverbend Environmental, our focus is on delivering rapid, high-quality assessments at competitive prices, all while strictly adhering to the ASTM E1527-21 Standards and the All Appropriate Inquiry Rule (AAI) 40 CFR Part 312.
Customer Benefits
Having a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) conducted is crucial for several reasons, especially for customers involved in commercial real estate transactions, financing, or property development:
- Risk Identification
- Legal and Financial Protection
- Planning and Development
- Informed Decision Making
Our Services
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Frequently Asked Questions
If you have additional questions reach out and a team member will get in touch with you.
A Phase I ESA is an evaluation conducted on commercial real estate to assess the potential for contamination by hazardous substances or petroleum products. It enables buyers or lenders to understand the environmental risks associated with a property purchase. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) defines a “recognized environmental condition” (REC) as per standard E1527-21, which includes any known or potential presence of hazardous substances or petroleum products that could impact the environment.
The primary goal of a Phase I ESA is to collect enough information to form an independent professional opinion about the environmental state of a property. This includes identifying actual or potential environmental contamination that might affect the property’s value. Completing a Phase One Report also helps users meet certain requirements for landowner liability protections under CERCLA.
Potential buyers typically undertake a Phase I Environmental report to ensure they are not acquiring a property with significant environmental liability risks. Most lenders also require a Phase I Report to safeguard their investment in commercial properties.
While Phase I ESAs are standard for commercial properties, residential properties usually do not require them unless there are specific concerns, such as underground storage tanks or known spills. Residential properties adjacent to sites with suspected environmental issues may also need a Phase I assessment.
A Phase I ESA report typically includes:
- Results of inquiries by an environmental professional
- Interviews with past and present owners, operators, and occupants
- Reviews of historical sources of information
- Searches for recorded environmental cleanup liens
- Reviews of federal, state, tribal, and local government records
- Visual inspections of the property and adjoining properties
- Information that is commonly known or reasonably ascertainable about the property
- Assessment of the obviousness of contamination presence and the ability to detect it through proper investigation
At Riverbend Environmental, we are known for our rapid completion of Phase I Environmental reports, typically within 10 business days. However, we can often complete these reports in even less time if required. Please contact us for an estimated completion time for your specific property.