Saturday, February 04, 2012

Environmental Due Diligence Services 

The importance of understanding environmental liability on a property being considered for purchase cannot be underestimated. Environmental laws and regulations state that the current property owner is responsible for contamination that exists on their land even if a previous owner caused it. A thorough due diligence Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is money well spent. When CES performs an ESA, we coordinate with appropriate regulatory officials and are familiar with local, state, and federal regulations associated with site remediation work.

All ESA work performed by CES is in compliance with the most current American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standards. CES follows the protocols outlined in ASTM Standard E1528 for the Transaction Screening Process, Standard E1527 for the Phase I ESA, Standard E1903 for Phase II ESA work, and the ASTM Standards generated by Committee D-18 for site characterizations.

ESA photo


Phase I ESA (ASTM Standard E1527)

Phase I ESA work under Standard E1527 typically includes a detailed site description, physical setting review (aerial photographs, interviews, etc.) and a site reconnaissance visit. Also included are a hazardous materials review, photographic documentation and preparation of a detailed report with appropriate conclusions and recommendations. ESA work performed under this standard is typically done at commercial properties, industrial properties and any other property having a known history of environmental issues or for a property that may have been impacted by an adjacent property. A recommendation is made, if appropriate, regarding the need for further site investigation under a Phase II ESA.

Phase II ESA (ASTM Standard E1903)

Phase II ESA work involves collecting additional data from a site where an environmental condition(s) was identified in the Phase I transaction screen process of the E1527 standard process that poses an environmental risk or liability. Phase II ESA work is specific to the problem identified and can vary considerably. The objective is to determine if existing site conditions require further environmental action such as monitoring or clean up and remediation work. CES prepares a detailed report summarizing the work performed and provides recommendation as appropriate.