We follow the nationally accepted and published set of standards for Phase I ESAs, the American Society for Testing & Materials (ASTM) E 1527-13, “Standard practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process,” fifth edition. The Phase I ESA consists of four parts: records review, site reconnaissance, interview with owners and occupants and local governmental officials, and report. Among the things we review during a Phase I ESA are:
- Land ownership records (with respect to past site activities) back to 1940, if possible;
- Present and past use of the tract;
- Proximity to groundwater and surface water and hydrological characteristics of the site with respect to surface activities;
- Present and past use of adjoining properties and surrounding areas;
- The present or past existence of:
- Solid/hazardous waste
- Underground storage tanks (USTs)
- Above-ground storage tanks (ASTs)
- PCB equipment
- The EPA has determined that ASTM standard E 1527-13 is in FULL COMPLIANCE with the requirements for conducting All Appropriate Inquires to establish the Landowner Liability Protections under CERCLA liability