Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA)

A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is the first step in the process of meeting the “all appropriate inquiry” standard. It is a non-intrusive investigation of a site conducted by an environmental professional, and the objective is to identify the likely or potential presence of Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs).

The Phase I ESA report conveys a professional opinion regarding the potential that the property is impacted by RECs. The tasks which are performed in order to prepare a Phase I ESA report include a review of local, state and federal government records, research into prior ownership and uses of the property, physical inspection of the property, a review of environmental setting, completion of interviews with owners and occupants of the property and government officials, review of historical aerial photographs and maps, and a consideration of regulatory impacts if contamination were identified.