Phase I & II Environmental Site Assessments

Neel-Shaffer’s team of Environmental Professionals are well versed in performing All Appropriate Inquiry (AAI)-compliant and ASTM 1527-compliant Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs).  Completing such Phase I ESAs is intended to permit the user to satisfy one of the requirements to qualify for landowner liability protections under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA).  Typically, Phase I ESAs consist of:

  • Reviewing user-provided information;
  • Reviewing environmental records maintained by local, state, tribal and federal agencies;
  • Reviewing historical records such as topographical maps, aerial photographs, city directories and fire insurance maps;
  • Conducting a site reconnaissance; and
  • Interviewing past and present owners, occupants, and/or managers.

Phase II ESAs are an “intrusive” investigation that collects samples of soil, groundwater or building materials to analyze for quantitative values for a variety of parameters.  A Phase II ESA is often performed when a Phase I ESA determines a likelihood of site contamination.  If contamination is found on the site from the Phase II, our staff is well versed in strategies to minimize environmental impact/risk that may include:

  • Remedial options;
  • Remedial cost estimations;
  • Institutional controls; and/or
  • Engineering controls.

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