Environmental Site Assessments
The American Society of Testing and
Materials (ASTM) standard for Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESA) establishes mimimum criteria for site screening. SynTerra brings extensive experience to Phase I ESAs that adds value and assurance for the client.
The need for ESAs arises from the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) and the Superfund Amendments and
Reauthorization Act (SARA). It is prudent for parties obtaining an interest in property, including lenders, investors, and developers, to conduct a pre-acquisition ESA because CERCLA and SARA impose liability on owners of contaminated property even if others caused the contamination.
Any significant real estate transaction should involve a due diligence investigation of the property for possible contamination.
Customized Services
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Typical Phase I ESAs include the following:
- Review of regulatory agency and other
public records for the site.
- A visual survey of the site or facility for
evidence of environmental concerns.
- Review of existing facility records.
- Interviews with personnel familiar with the
history and use of the property.
- A visual survey of adjacent properties.
The results of a Phase I ESA often provide sufficient information to determine if further investigation is warranted. An expanded investigation is recommended if the Phase I ESA does not rule out the possibility of environmental concerns. Sampling and analysis of environmental media (soil, water or air) is typically performed as part of a Phase II ESA.
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Select a project to learn more:
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Standards of Practice
In 1993, ASTM published an industry standard of practice for performance of Phase I ESAs to define good commercial and customary practice and to permit the user to satisfy one of the requirements to qualify for the innocent landowner defense to CERCLA liability. SynTerra personnel,
through regular continuing education, stay abreast of the current standard of performance (including conduct of assessments to All Appropriate Inquiry (AAI) standards) for this important piece of a real estate transaction.
Experience and Capabilities
SynTerra personnel are highly experienced in all types of environmental assessments, from Phase I ESAs to comprehensive site assessment projects involving large industrial sites or multiple sites. A Phase I ESA can be a valuable tool for identifying areas of environmental concern.
Attractive properties can contain hidden environmental liabilities. Professional expertise and sound technical practices are required to locate possible environmental risks associated with a piece of property.
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