Phase 1 ESA Gives Property Owners Peace of Mind

Performing Phase 1 ESAs, also known as environmental due diligence, are common before commercial property transactions are completed. The Phase 1 site assessment is used by potential property buyers and lenders to determine if a property has any environmental contamination issues and to assess any potential liability from any contamination that is found.

In 2005 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued the All Appropriate Inquires (AAI) Rule – Environmental Site Assessments, Phase 1 Investigations. It established the standards and requirements for conducting the necessary investigations to qualify for landowner liability protection under CERCLA.

According to the EPA, “The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), also known as “Superfund,” was established to address abandoned hazardous waste sites. Among other things, CERCLA establishes a liability scheme for determining who can be held accountable for releases of hazardous substances.” The EPA’s standards and practices are set force in regulations promulgated at 40 CFR Part 312. They also recognize ASTM International Standards E1527-05 and E2247-08.

Traditionally, Phase 1 environmental site assessments were conducted almost entirely for commercial property transactions, but a growing number of residential transactions are also requesting these environmental site assessments. “Property owners and lenders are growing increasingly concerned about past land uses and Phase 1 ESAs help provide some of the answers they need,” reported David Broadbent, Technical Director at CSC Targhee, Inc., a leading provider of Phase 1 ESAs. “At CSC Targhee, our expert staff has extensive experience in conducting environmental due diligence for all types of properties ranging from industrial and commercial to residential developments,” he continued. We are a participating member of the ASTM Committee E50 on Environmental Assessment, Risk Management and Corrective Action which enables CSC Targhee, Inc. to retain its leadership in all aspects of due diligence regarding Phase 1 Investigations.

To learn more about Phase 1 investigations, or how CSC Targhee, Inc. can help with other environmental and indoor air quality (IAQ) issues, please visit www.targheeinc.com, email dbroadbent@targheeinc.com or call (562) 435-8080.

About Clark Seif Clark (CSC)
CSC Targhee, Inc. is a subsidiary of Clark Seif Clark, Inc. (CSC). CSC was established in 1989 to help clients in both the public and private sectors address environmental health and safety (EH&S) issues. CSC is a leading provider of these services with multiple offices along the western seaboard and southwest. The company believes in science-based protocols and has a strong background in engineering, making them the preferred environmental consultants to healthcare facilities, architects, schools, builders, contractors, developers and real estate professionals.

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

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