Phase I Environmental Site Assessments
The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) E1527-13 Standard (“Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process) is widely recognized as the standard for evaluating environmental risk associated with commercial real estate. EPA’s All Appropriate Inquiries (AAI) Rule (November 2006) clarified requirements for a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment to qualify for liability protection under the of Comprehensive Environmental Restoration, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) “innocent landowner defense.” The scope of the AAI Rule and ASTM E 1527-13 are now mutually consistent and include the following:
- Site Visit
- Historical Research (historical aerial photographs, reverse street directories, building permits, planning records, topographical maps, Sanborn fire insurance maps, oil and gas maps, title information)
- Geology and Hydrogeology Evaluation
- Regulatory Research (fire departments, state environmental agencies, Federal environmental agencies)
- Interviews and Document Review
[ASTM published ASTM E1527-13 on November 6, 2013, requiring additional data collection and evaluations, such expanded regulatory file reviews, vapor migration evaluation, clarification of certain terms and the addition of the “Controlled Recognized Environmental Condition” (CREC) term. These changes are standard practice for competent firms performing Phase I Environmental Site Assessments.]
Purpose of Phase I Environmental Site Assessments
The Phase I Environmental Site Assessment process results in a valuable assessment of environmental conditions of a specific parcel of commercial real estate, but does not necessarily address other environmental issues and risks raised in transactions such as purchases of real property or business assets, such as environmental liabilities stemming from properties previously owned or operated by the business, or environmental liabilities existing other locations.
This practice is intended as an approach to conducting an inquiry designed to identify “recognized environmental conditions” in connection with a property and represent a commercially prudent and reasonable inquiry, but its use can go beyond that purpose. This practice results in developing information about the environmental condition of a property, and is useful for a wide range of users, including those exposed to risk under the CERCLA.
Obtaining a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment
In accordance with ASTM E1527-13, a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment must be performed by an “environmental professional,” as defined by the standard, and the value of the results are dependent on the experience and judgment of this professional. The professional judgment of the selected environmental professional is vital to the performance of all appropriate inquiries.
Aarcher performs Phase I Environmental Site Assessments to support the commercial and multi-family real estate industry.
We understand the need for carefully prepared reports, both in terms of managing risk and streamlining the transaction process.
Our clients are often facing real property transaction deadlines that require due diligence efforts be completed quickly and cost effectively.
Aarcher is an expert provider of Phase I Environmental Site Assessments following the ASTM E1527-13 Standard.
- Aarcher has performed more than 6,500 Phase I Environmental Site Assessments for commercial properties
- Our Environmental Professionals exceed the requirements of the EPA’s AAI Standard
- Internal quality control review procedures are implemented for each assessment
- Our facility compliance audit experience enables Aarcher to provide practical risk management input as part of the due diligence process
- Aarcher was selected by EPA Region 4 to provide liability analysis for more than 20 CERCLA National Priority List (NPL) sites
Contact AARCHER to obtain pricing for your site(s) or to discuss our experience, capability, and approach.
Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs)(ASTM E1527-05)
Phase I ESAs for more than 3,000 wireless telecommunications sites nationwide
A&T Systems, ACME Tower Group, America Tower Corporation, AT&T Mobility, Bechtel, CellularOne, Cingular Wireless, Highpoint Communications, LCG Wireless, Light Tower Wireless, MESA Communications Group, Midwest Tower Leasing, Mobilitie, Mountain Union Telecom, NSORO, SBC Communications, Skylink, Sprint PCS, Texhoma Towers, Velocitel, Verizon Wireless, WHAW Radio, Verizon Wireless’ retail store division, Verizon Wireless’ build-to-suit tower operator contractors.
CERCLA/Superfund Enforcement Support Services (ESS)
US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region 4
Litigation Support Services – Office of Environmental Accountability (Multiple Sites)
Deed and Title Search Reporting – Southeastern Oil Wells (Multiple Sites)
File Organization Support and Verification – BCX Tank Superfund Site (Florida)
Cost Redaction Support – EPA Finance Office (Multiple Sites)
Title Search Report – Hunstville Gas Company Superfund Site (Alabama)
Title Search Activities – Sall Mountain Asbestos, Company Mill Superfund Site (Georgia)
Title Search and Industrial Survey Report – Picayune Wood Treating Superfund Site (MS)
Potentially Responsible Party (PRP) Search – Constitution Road Drum Site Superfund Site (Georgia)
Potentially Responsible Party (PRP) Search – Shredder, Inc. Superfund Site (Alabama)
Potentially Responsible Party (PRP) Search – Brewer Gold Mine Superfund Site (South Carolina)
Potentially Responsible Party (PRP) Search – Starmet, Inc. Superfund Site (Georgia)
Potentially Responsible Party (PRP) Search – Alternate Energy Resources, Inc. Superfund Site (Georgia)
Potentially Responsible Party (PRP) Search – Gamxx Energy, Inc. Superfund Site (Alabama)
Potentially Responsible Party (PRP) Search – Ward Transformer Superfund Site (NC)
Potentially Responsible Party (PRP) Search – Dixie Barrel and Drum Superfund Site (Tennessee)
Potentially Responsible Party (PRP) Search – Florida Phosphate Superfund Site (Florida)
Potentially Responsible Party (PRP) Search – Alabama Plating Superfund Site (Alabama)
Potentially Responsible Party (PRP) Search – Seven Out LLC Tanks Superfund Site (Georgia)
Potentially Responsible Party (PRP) Search – Don’s Auto Recycling Superfund Site (Florida)
Potentially Responsible Party (PRP) Search – Goodyear Dump Superfund Site (Florida)
Potentially Responsible Party (PRP) Search – Callaway and Son Drum Service Superfund Site (Florida)
Potentially Responsible Party (PRP) Search – LWD, Inc. Superfund Site (KY)
Potentially Responsible Party (PRP) Search – Anniston Lead Superfund Site (Alabama)
Potentially Responsible Party (PRP) Search – Mobile American Bumper and Plating Superfund Site (Alabama)
Potentially Responsible Party (PRP) Search – Hollywood Asbestos Mill & Mine Superfund Site (Georgia)