A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment is the industry standard for evaluating the environmental liability associated with a real estate asset of any type.  The EPA's All Appropriate Inquiries Rule (AAI) governing the scope of Phase I Environmental Site Assessments went into effect on November 1, 2006 and provided specific scope requirements for a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment to meet the requirements of CERCLA's innocent land owner defense.  Dormady Consulting Group, Inc. helps property buyers meet the legal requirements for the CERCLA innocent landowner defense and we provide practical business advice on environmental liability to our clients.  Dormady Consulting Group, Inc.’s Phase I Environmental Site Assessments are performed by Environmental Professionals who meet the requirements of the EPA's AAI Standard.

​

Dormady Consulting Group, Inc.’s Phase I Environmental Site Assessment reports follow the format of the industry standard, ASTM E1527 and include a physical inspection of the site, a review of relevant records, and interviews with occupants, owners, neighbors and selected officials. The scope is often expanded to address issues specific to the subject property.

​

The primary intent of the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment is to identify Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs) associated with each property, as well as Business Environmental Risks (BERs) as defined within ASTM.  The Scope of the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment includes the following:

​

Site Visit

• Inspection of the site to identify and catalog the following:

  • Hazardous Materials Storage & Handling

  • Waste Generation, Storage, Disposal & Emissions

  • Underground Storage Tanks

  • Aboveground Storage Tanks

  • Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

  • Stained Soil

  • Drums or Unidentified Containers

  • Drains or Sumps

  • Pits, Ponds, or Lagoons

  • Wells

  • Septic Systems

 

Historical Research

In addition to the site inspection, we conduct historical research as follows:

• Aerial Photographs

• Topographical Maps

• Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps

• Oil and Gas Maps

• Building Permits

• Zoning Records

• City Street Directories

• Title Information

 

Regulatory Research

Regulatory agency research is also conducted including:

• Fire Departments

• State Environmental Agencies

• Federal Environmental Agencies

 

Interviews and Document Review

• Interview present or past tenants and owners

• Interview state and local regulators

• Review prior environmental reports (if available)

​

Unless directed by our client, our Phase I Environmental Site Assessment scope will not include any asbestos, lead paint, radon, or lead in water sampling or other issues defined as out of scope under the ASTM standard.  If these additional services are requested, a separate proposal can be prepared.

​

Sometimes, the degree or even existence of contamination cannot be confirmed without a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment being performed, which consists of soil and ground water sampling at the site.  Dormady Consulting Group, Inc. can coordinate Phase II’s with our partner, Mach-8 Consulting.