Real Estate

For Buyers, Sellers, Lenders & Developers

Phase I ESA Standard Rate $1,950. Contact us for a detailed proposal.

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Phase I Environmental Site Assessments

ASTM E1527-compliant environmental site assessments are a must for those looking to protect commercial real estate investments. In addition to helping meet the U.S. EPA requirements for "all appropriate inquiry" with regard to CERCLA liability, Phase I ESAs can identify environmental conditions or property use history that may significantly impact development plans.

Who Can Perform a Phase I ESA?

Phase I ESAs must be supervised by an environmental professional. ASTM defines environmental professional a few ways, but bottom line it takes 10 years combined relevant education and experience.

We believe every part of the Phase I ESA should be conducted by the environmental professional.  Our site visits, interviews, and records reviews are completed by a professional with that experience - every time.

What Property Transactions need a Phase I ESA?

The ASTM E1527 standard is intended for application to commerical real estate transactions - which is a broad definition. Specifically, the standard is NOT intended for application to residential or multifamily residential buildings or real estate.

So what about agriculture? Potential risks associated with agricultural properties are often overlooked, particularly by those not familiar with historic practices. Fuel storage, vehicle maintenance, pesticide storage and application, landfilling, wood treatment, cattle dipping and other activities (perhaps long since ceased) may have created persistent threats to human health and the environment.  The updated ASTM 2247 Phase I ESA Process for Forestland and Rural Property may be the appropriate choice here.

What happens if the Phase I ESA finds something?

If you are working on or near existing urban or industrial development, chances are some kind of environmental concern will come up. Identifying a "recognized environmental condition" (REC) or historical REC does not mean your project is doomed. Based on your intended site use, the identified conditions may have little material effect on your operation.

You may find opportunities to apply for funding to address environmental concerns under state or federal Brownfield and Grayfield programs, like the Iowa Redevelopment Tax Credits Program. The Phase I ESA may be your first step down the redevelopment path.

Ready to find out more?

Let's have a conversation so we can develop a detailed proposal at no cost to you.

Site Checks and Targeted Sampling

When potential environmental conditions are identified (perhaps through the Phase I ESA), targeted soil and groundwater sampling can help quantify potential risk. Loess Hills Environmental employs a number of minimally invasive sampling techniques to limit site disturbance while providing this critical information.