Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) are conducted to identify recognized environmental conditions and potential environmental hazards associated with the subject property. Phase I ESAs are designed to meet or exceed the requirements set forth in ASTM Standard Practice E 1527-05 for Phase I Environmental Site Assessments. In general, the Phase I ESA will include a visual assessment of the site; a review of current and historical uses of the subject property; a site reconnaissance; interviews with knowledgeable parties; and a review of selected public records concerning the subject property and adjacent properties. In addition, user (client) responsibilities include a questionnaire and recorded land title records with lien records for environmental liens or activity and use limitations. The information obtained is then compiled and summarized in a comprehensive written report.
A more detailed scope of a typical Phase I ESA is presented in the following paragraphs:
Records Review
The records review will include a detailed assessment of selected city, county, state, and federal environmental records and databases, historical use information, and physical setting information concerning the subject property. The following agencies and records will be used as sources of information for the assessment.
Environmental Record Sources - The records review will include the review of the following standard environmental record sources:
- Federal NPL site list (1 mile)
- Federal NPL NFRAP site list (0.5 mile)
- Federal CERCLIS list (0.5 mile)
- Federal CERCLIS NFRAP site list (0.5 mile)
- Federal RCRA CORRACTS facilities list (1 mile)
- Federal RCRA Treatment Storage and Disposal (TSD) facilities list (0.5 mile)
- Federal RCRA generators list (subject property and adjoining properties)
- Federal ERNS list (subject property only)
- Federal Institutional Control/Engineering Control Registries (subject property only)
- State Superfund / Hazardous Waste Site list (1 mile)
- State Municipal Solid Waste Landfill Site list (0.5 mile)
- State Leaking Registered Storage Tank Site list (0.5 mile)
- State Voluntary Cleanup Program Site list (0.5 mile)
- State Brownfield Site list (0.5 mile)
- State Institutional Control/Engineering Control Registries (subject property only)
- State Registered Storage Tank Site list (subject property and adjoining properties)
One or more additional environmental record sources, which will be checked, include:
- Spills list
- Permits, reports and other environmental, health and safety documentation
- Local sources such as health/environmental department, fire department, planning department, building permit/inspection department, pollution control agency, water quality agency information such as fire department records, planning department, building permits, and utility companies (as appropriate)
Physical Setting Sources - The following sources may be used to determine the physical setting for the subject property.
- USGS 7.5-Minute Topographic Map(s)
- Hydrogeology Map(s)
- Geology Map(s)
- Soil Map(s)
Historical Use Information - The following sources may be used to determine the historical use for the subject property:
- Aerial photographs
- City directories
- Fire insurance maps
- Property tax files, building permit records, or zoning/land use records
- USGS 7.5 Minute Topographic Map
- Interviews (if available)
Site Reconnaissance
TDS will conduct a site walk-through to obtain information on the potential presence of recognized environmental conditions and hazardous materials in connection with the subject property. Where possible, TDS will conduct interviews with persons familiar with the property or nearby properties with information regarding the properties current and past usage.
During the Phase I ESA, TDS will review and document the following site information, as appropriate:
- Observations and interviews regarding current and former site usage
- Detailed site description including interior and exterior observations
- Current use and condition of subject property
- Activities involving hazardous materials and petroleum products
- Solid waste handling and disposal practices
- Wastewater handling and disposal practices
- Geologic, hydrogeologic, and topographic conditions
- Use and storage of hazardous substances and petroleum products
- Underground and aboveground storage tanks
- Adjacent property usage
- Proximity of surface water, water wells, and septic systems
- Transformers and other electrical equipment
- Hazardous substance containers or other unidentified containers
- Stained soil or pavement
- Pits, ponds, lagoons, and septic systems
- Presence and condition of vegetation
- Cleaning and maintenance practices
- Other items in the project scope of work
Report
Results of the Phase I ESA will be presented in a written report. If specific environmental problems or concerns are identified during our investigation, TDS will provide recommendations to address each situation.
The following items will be included in the Phase I ESA report:
- Detailed site description including legal description
- Summary of current and historical uses of the property
- Summary of our records review and environmental research
- Information from the site reconnaissance and interviews
- Assumptions and any limiting conditions encountered during the assessment
- References
- Professional qualifications
The following items will be attached to the Phase I ESA report.
- Site plan
- Topographic map
- Site photographs
- Historical use documentation
- Environmental records documentation
User's Responsibilities
As part of the ASTM Standard for Phase I ESAs, the client (user) is responsible for completing a questionnaire and obtaining recorded land title records for environmental liens and or activity and use limitations. The user's responsibilities are part of qualifying for a landowner liability protection to CERCLA liability.
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