Description of Phase I Environmental
Site Assessments and Transaction Screens :
Storb Environmental has performed numerous Phase I Environmental Site
Assessments (ESAs) and Transaction Screens as part of the “due
diligence” process for commercial and industrial real estate transfers.
The goal of a Phase I ESA is to identify recognized environmental conditions
which may represent liabilities to a potential purchaser.
All Phase I ESAs and Transaction Screens are prepared in accordance with
guidelines prepared by the American Society of Testing and Materials
(ASTM). These standards include the requirements for All Appropriate
Inquiry (AAI) as well as recent changes in the definition of environmental
professionals who are qualified to perform these services. The purpose
of the Phase I ESA and Transaction Screen process is to permit a user
to satisfy one of the requirements to qualify for the innocent landowner
defense to Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability
Act (CERCLA) liability: that is, the practices that constitute “all
appropriate inquiry into the previous ownership and uses of the property
consistent with good commercial or customary practice”.
Storb Environmental can provide, at the clients request, an evaluation
of business environmental risk associated with a parcel of commercial
real estate may necessitate investigation beyond that identified in the
reference ASTM standard. For properties where the client does not feel
that a complete Phase I ESA is required, Storb Environmental can provide
a Transaction Screen in accordance with current ASTM standards.
Following the site evaluation through the Phase I or Transaction Screen
process, Storb Environmental can provide additional site investigation
if desired by the client. The scope of the additional investigation will
be determined with the client, based on an evaluation of the risk tolerance
associated with each recognized environmental condition.
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