Why You Need It
Why a Phase 1 ESA Is
Essential for Your Transaction
Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessments are a common requirement today for most real estate transactions. Protect your investment and qualify for the CERCLA “Innocent Land Owner Defense.”
CERCLA Liability Protection
The purchaser or bank financing the purchase will typically require a Phase 1 ESA to qualify for the CERCLA “Innocent Land Owner Defense” — designed to protect the owner of contaminated property from liability for hazardous substances placed by an unrelated third party.
Bank & SBA Lender Requirement
Banks and SBA lenders require an environmental assessment before financing any commercial real estate purchase. Our reports are accepted by every major lender and meet all All Appropriate Inquiries (AAI) standards.
Identify Hidden Environmental Risks
A Phase 1 ESA provides the critical insight you need to make an informed decision about your prospective investment. Discover potential contamination from underground storage tanks, hazardous chemicals, and neighboring property risks before you close.
Not sure which service you need?
What’s Included
Standard Scope of Our Phase 1 ESA
A comprehensive assessment performed in accordance with ASTM E1527-21 and AAI standards, covering all critical environmental due diligence components.
On-Site Property Inspection
Environmental inspector visits the property to evaluate present conditions — including chemical spill residue, die-back of vegetation, storage of hazardous substances, above-ground or underground storage tanks, and environmentally hazardous site history.
Neighboring Property Risk Assessment
Evaluation of risks from neighboring properties upon the subject property, identifying potential off-site contamination sources that could impact your investment.
Federal, State & Local Records Review
Review of Federal, State, Local, and Tribal records out to distances specified by ASTM E1527-21 and AAI Standards — ranging from 1/8 to 1 mile depending on the database — including underground storage tanks, wells, and hazardous chemical records.
Stakeholder Interviews
Interviews of persons knowledgeable regarding the property history — including past owners, present owner, key site managers, present tenants, and neighbors.
Comprehensive Final Report
A comprehensive report with findings and recommendations delivered via email in a timely manner. Report details all identified Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs) and provides clear guidance.
ASTM E1527-21 Standard
What Makes Our Reports
The Industry Standard
Get a certified SWPPP tailored to your specific project needs and local regulations. Our experts are ready to audit your site today.
Mile Radius Survey
A thorough mile-radius survey compiled from state and federal historical data of properties with underground storage tanks, wells, or hazardous chemicals.
AAI Compliant
Meets all All Appropriate Inquiries (AAI) requirements for CERCLA Innocent Land Owner Defense qualification.
No Soil Sampling Required
The Phase 1 ESA is a records-based and visual assessment — no soil, air, groundwater, or building material sampling is conducted. This is the first step in environmental due diligence.
REC Identification
Identifies Recognized Environmental Conditions. If contamination is suspected, a Phase 2 ESA (ASTM E1903) is recommended for chemical analysis of soil and groundwater.
How It Works
Our Phase 1 ESA Process
A streamlined, proven approach that delivers your report accurately and on time — keeping your transaction on track.
Step 01
Order & Estimate
Get a fast quote online or by phone. We’ll provide a clear estimate, scope, and timeline based on your property type and location.
Step 02
Records Research
We compile a thorough review of federal, state, local, and tribal environmental records — including historical data on USTs, wells, and hazardous chemicals within a mile radius.
Step 03
Order & Estimate
Our environmental inspector conducts a comprehensive on-site visit to evaluate current conditions, neighboring properties, and any visual evidence of contamination.
Step 04
Order & Estimate
A comprehensive Phase 1 ESA report with findings and recommendations is delivered via email — on time and accepted by all banks and SBA lenders.
Our Services
Professional Services We Provide
No hidden fees. Select the tier that best fits your property type.
ESA-1 Standard
For typical properties under 2 acres with 1–3 buildings and nominal complexity; larger, more complex properties typically start at $2,150.
- ASTM E1527-21 Compliant Assessment
- 5–7 Business Day Turnaround
- Accepted by All Major Lenders & SBA
- On-Site Property Inspection
- Historical Use & Records Review
- Environmental Risk Identification
- Comprehensive Report Delivered via Email
Desktop Reports
Fast, cost-effective environmental due diligence _____________________________
/ report
- No Site Visit Required – 100% Desktop Review
- Historical Aerials, Maps & Property Use Analysis
- Federal, State & Local Records Search
- Identifies Potential Environmental Risks
- Ideal for Low-Risk or Early Due Diligence
- Quick Turnaround for Time-Sensitive Deals
- Clear, Lender-Friendly Summary Report
Phase 2 ESA
Targeted testing to confirm site contamination
- Targeted Soil & Groundwater Sampling
- ASTM-Compliant Investigation Protocols
- Laboratory Analysis & Contaminant Testing
- Defined Scope Based on Phase 1 Findings
- Regulatory Threshold Comparison & Reporting
- Clear Determination of Contamination Presence
- Detailed Report with Actionable Recommendations
Clean Up
Restore & Resolve Site Contamination
- Phase 3 Remediation Based on Phase 2 Findings
- Soil & Groundwater Contamination Cleanup
- Regulatory Compliance & Agency Coordination
- Excavation, Removal & Site Restoration
- Risk Reduction & Liability Mitigation
- Ongoing Monitoring & Verification Testing
- Final Reporting & Site Closure Documentation
Dependable