What is a Phase I ESA?
It's more than a report. It's your liability shield.
A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is the first step in environmental due diligence. Its purpose is to protect you—the lender, attorney, or purchaser—from the immense financial risk of environmental contamination.
Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), a landowner can be held liable for pre-existing contamination, even if they didn't cause it. A properly conducted Phase I ESA satisfies the "All Appropriate Inquiries" (AAI) requirement, which is necessary to qualify for liability protection as a Bona Fide Prospective Purchaser (BFPP).
A Historical Investigation
Not a "Science Experiment"
A common misconception is that a Phase I involves soil and water testing. It does not. A Phase I ESA is a comprehensive historical investigation that includes:
• Reviewing historical records (aerials, maps, directories).
• Searching government environmental databases.
• Conducting a detailed site reconnaissance (the "walk-over").
• Interviewing owners, occupants, and local officials.
Our Full-Service Due Diligence
We provide a fully integrated service line to cover all your due diligence needs.
Phase I ESA
Our core service. A comprehensive historical and regulatory investigation compliant with the new ASTM E1527-21 standard to protect you from CERCLA liability.
Phase II Subsurface Investigation
When a Phase I identifies a REC, we move to Phase II. This is the "science experiment"—we collect soil, groundwater, and vapor samples to confirm or deny the presence of contamination.
Non-Scope & Business Risk
We can easily bundle "non-scope" items that are critical to your property's value, including Asbestos, Lead-Based Paint, Mold, Radon, and PFAS/Emerging Contaminant screening.