What Is A Phase 1 ESA?
A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (Phase 1 ESA) is an investigation of a property’s current and historical use. The process views and investigates a property in regards to former use in order to determine if there is a potential for hazardous conditions that might be present on the property. Typically, a Phase 1 environmental study involves an on-site inspection by an environmental firm with detailed photography to document conditions.
Lenders require a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment for all properties that are greater than 4 units. 100% of the time, lenders will require a Phase 1 study for commercial properties. For multifamily properties – it can go either way. A Phase 1 ESA interviews with past and present building occupants, and with owners of neighboring properties are also conducted to validate past uses. A Phase 1 ESA does not involve any testing of things like paint, soil, or moisture, though a visual inspection may indicate the presence of hazardous materials.
Our firm offers complete, thorough, and expedited Phase 1 ESA and consulting that is uniquely tailored to real estate developers. Our Phase 1 studies are performed by certified environmental professionals (EP) who are predominantly looking for indications of hazardous materials or other signs of conditions that would impact the health and safety of the area due to contaminants or hazardous conditions. Our goal is to provide you with a simple process that keeps you involved & informed throughout the process. When looking at Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment companies, you won’t find a simpler choice than the team at Essel Environmental.
Speak with one of our friendly client representatives today to discuss your needs and how we can quickly and efficiently meet them. Call us at +1 (800) 595-7616 or use our quick and easy to fill out contact form. We are here to serve you!
Professional Service
The Essel Environmental staff is fully trained and certified for all inspections / services we perform.
Personal Attention
We ensure the project team is kept informed throughout the milestones & stages of the project
Fast and Thorough
We work with your intended turnaround time and help make sure we work backwards from your key dates.
How Long Does a Phase 1 ESA Take?
A Phase 1 ESA takes anywhere from 2 – 3 weeks. The team at Essel Environmental will give you the verbal within 1 week to let you know whether it’s a “green light” or “red light.” Then, if you want to proceed – we will complete the Phase 1 Environmental report.
How Much Does a Phase 1 ESA Cost?
Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessments cost anywhere between $1,800 to $4,600. The cost is dependent upon property location, and the complexity of the site’s history and uses.
A Phase I environmental site assessment can confirm suspicions about whether or not a property has potential risks, but it acts as only a single layer of a complete assessment process. It does not include collection or evaluation of soil samples, water, lithological analysis, radon testing, or any other kind of lab analysis. The study can determine whether a Phase 2 ESA needs to be conducted, or it can confirm that a site is indeed “clean” so that the sale of the land may proceed.
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Frequently asked questions on the Phase 1 ESA
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