Assessments

Information is needed to identify whether a property planned for redevelopment has been environmentally impacted. Sometimes, this information is required by financial institutions. To make that determination, Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) are performed at no cost to the property owners.

A Phase 1 ESA is a preliminary scanning to identify recognized environmental conditions (RECS) and involves records research and onsite observations. The Phase 1 ESA produces information to provide liability protection to property ownership and decide where testing should occur for RECs that require further study and identification.

If RECs are found on the property, a Phase II ESA, consisting of sampling soil, soil gas and/or groundwater for contaminants may be performed to further assess the site. If samples are found to have a higher than acceptable contamination levels (according to state or federal standards) cleanup of the site may be necessary.

Many times, the assessment process can document that a site has not been impacted thereby removing any perceived environmental roadblocks to redevelopment without the need for further action.  If cleanup/mitigation is necessary, state and federal grants funds are available to speed the property redevelopment.