Phase I & Phase II Environmental Site Assessment

Real property transfers typically require Phase I and/or Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESA).  These assessments are conducted to satisfy the level of appropriate inquiry for the purposes of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) innocent landowner defense.

Phase I ESAs
Georgia Oilmen's Services, Inc. (GOS) conducts all Phase I ESA’s in accordance with standards established in “Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process”, designation E-1527-93, published by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). 

A Phase I ESA includes a title search, a review of applicable state and federal regulatory databases, a review of applicable state and federal files, a review of aerial or satellite photography, a review of Sanborn Fire Insurance maps, a site and area reconnaissance, and personal interviews.  These steps are taken to provide a reasonable inquiry as to the current and historical conditions of the property and its environs.  A report detailing the findings and the estimated potential for impact is subsequently prepared.  Depending on the findings, further investigation may be warranted.

Under ASTM standards, asbestos, radon gas, wetlands, flood plain designation, geotechnical or engineering standards, or indoor air quality are not to be addressed in a Phase I ESA.  GOS can provide an assessment of such out-of-scope concerns, as needed.

Phase II ESAs
Should a Phase I ESA reveal the potential for contamination of soil, groundwater and/or surface water, a Phase II ESA may be warranted to provide adequate information relative to the environmental condition of the property.  GOS identifies the potential contaminants and designs a sampling plan to assay the applicable medium for those constituents.  For soil and groundwater sampling, a rotary drilling rig is utilized to acquire samples.

All samples are properly preserved and placed in appropriate containers for laboratory analysis.  GOS has the ability to implement long-term sampling plans in the event of discharges to sewer systems, stream quality assessments, or chemical waste discharges.  A report is prepared summarizing the findings and recommending remedial solutions (if needed).

To learn more about Phase I and Phase II ESAs, please contact us.