When a property is involved in a real estate transaction, especially if it’s going to be used for commercial purposes, it’s necessary to have professionals come in to determine the condition of the land. This includes at least a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, but it also can include a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment and remediation oversight services. Be prepared and knowledgeable of this process if you plan to purchase property in Philadelphia, PA or surrounding areas.
The Phase I Environmental Site Assessment
This type of assessment is commonly called a Phase I ESA or simply ESA. This is done by experts to research historical and current uses of a property that’s involved in a commercial real estate transaction. The ESA report helps determine if prior or current uses impact the groundwater and/or soil under the property and if it will threaten human or environmental health. Any issues can mean a potential liability for the owner or lender and can even affect the property value, so it’s important to move forward with a plan of action after this report.
Before the real estate transaction closure, conduct a Phase I ESA to meet the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) innocent landowner defense under All Appropriate Inquiries (AAI). This can be done for all types of properties such as agricultural, commercial, industrial, multi-family residential, and vacant land uses. An environmental engineering firm in Philadelphia can assist you with this matter.
A Phase I ESA will usually include:
- A site visit to conduct observation of conditions and uses of the property as well as on the properties next to it
- A review of the local, tribal, state, and federal regulatory databases such as aboveground storage tanks, underground storage tanks, and hazardous waste disposal and storage (petroleum products, etc.)
- A review of the historical records, such as fire insurance maps, historical aerial photographs, topographic maps, and city directories
- A review of local and state agency records such as from Building, Fire, and Health departments
- Interviews with past and current property owners and other people who are familiar with the property
Phase II Environmental Site Assessment
If the Phase I ESA comes up with any recognized environmental condition (REC) or potential for impacts to the subsurface, clients can ask to have environmental engineers evaluate these potential impacts with a Phase II ESA. This is to conduct subsurface investigation tests of groundwater, soil and soil gas to find the sources of these issues.
Buyers and lenders want to get the full scope of the problems that are found in the Phase I ESA. This is especially effective for determining if there are petroleum products and other hazardous substances. You don’t want to have hidden risks turn into larger issues when it’s too late to turn things around. A Phase II ESA serves to limit risks and protects against liabilities and long-term costs.
Geologists and scientists use a few different drilling methods during such projects. This includes hand augering, split spoon sampling, hollow stem auger, mud rotary, and push probe.
Remediation Oversight Services
Once a plan of action is made to clean up and remediate environmental issues at the property, it’s necessary to ensure that the work is done properly. Professionals can supervise projects to make sure that the team complies with the remediation plan details. This is crucial to keep everyone working at the site (and the public) safe and that hazardous materials are removed according to safety standards. This will not only keep the project moving along efficiently, but it will keep costs down and there won’t be any legal issues with the property and activities on the property.
If you are selling or purchasing a real estate property, you may want to use environmental services to comply with legal regulations. You’ll also want to know that the property won’t cause further damage to the environment and to human health. Contact Earth Engineering Incorporated to get Environmental Site Assessments, Remediation Oversight Services, and other services to meet your needs in the Philadelphia PA, Central PA, Lehigh Valley, and New Jersey areas.
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