Phase I ESA

Phase I Environmental Site Assessment

The central purpose of conducting a Phase I ESA is to document that a prospective purchaser has conducted all appropriate inquiry (AAI) into the previous ownership and uses of the property consistent with good commercial or customary practice as defined in 42 USC § 9601(35)(B). The intended purpose of that demonstration is to help support one of the threshold criteria for satisfying one or more defenses to CERCLA (the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act) liability (landowner liability protections). The stated scope of the Phase I ESA includes the range of contaminants within the scope of CERCLA) and petroleum products.

The presence, or likely presence of any hazardous substances or petroleum products on a property under conditions that indicate an existing release, a past release, or a material threat of a release of any hazardous substances or petroleum products into structures on the property or into the ground, groundwater, or surface water of the property is a recognized environmental condition. It is the essential purpose of a Phase I ESA to identify recognized environmental conditions.

In addition to satisfying the AAI standard, Targus’ clients routinely engage us to check for the potential presence of environmentally-driven impact on the property and to assist the client in understanding potential environmental conditions that could materially impact the operation of the business associated with the subject property (business environmental risk). Although such issues are considered to be beyond the scope of the Phase I ESA, they can be material to the objectives of a prospective purchaser or other party with an interest in the property.

Targus' Phase I ESA services include:

  • Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (Phase I ESA, ASTM E1527-AAI)
  • Transaction Screening Assessments (ASTM E1528)
  • Additional Client-Specific scopes include:
    • ASTM E2600 Tier 1/Tier 2 Vapor Intrusion Assessments
    • HUD Form 4128/ HEROS Reports and Related Supplements
    • Fannie Mae/ Freddie Mac/ NEPA Deliverables
    • Asbestos Surveys, Management Planning
    • Natural/ Cultural Resources Screening
    • Floodplain/ Wetlands Screening
    • Drinking Water Screening
    • Mold/ Moisture Surveys
    • Leaded Paint Surveys
    • Radon Screening
    • Indoor Air Quality