Record Search Risk Assessment RSRA For Minneapolis Commercial Property

Caltha LLP Project Summary

Project: SBA Environmental Record Search With Risk Assessment (RSRA) Client: Regional Lender  Location(s): Minneapolis, Minnesota Key Elements: Small Business Administration, RSRA, Overview: Caltha LLP conducted a Record Search With Risk Assessment (RSRA) meeting SBA environmental review policies for this commercial property located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. RSRA was conducted on behalf of a prospective. Lender to meet requirements under updated SBA environmental policy. A focus of the RSRA was to determine if any past uses of the property were considered "environmentally sensitive uses" which might impact the of the property. In addition the RSRA reviewed publicly available records to assess know past uses and environmental risks associated with nearby properties. Although no significant risks were identified associated with the past uses of the Subject Property, two adjoining properties were found to have had past leaking tanks which could have impacted the Subject Property. [caption id="attachment_32717" align="alignnone" width="300"] Oil Spill and Contaminated Soil Identified During Phase 1 Environmental Inspection[/caption]   Click here for more information on Caltha's Environmental Assessment Services for commercial and industrial property transfer. [caption id="attachment_32588" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Caltha LLP | Your Environmental Site Assessment and Remediation Partner[/caption]

Environmental Investigation of Closed Solid Waste Facility

Caltha LLP Project Summary

Project: Phase 1 ESA For Former Solid Waste Handling Station 
Client: Prospective Buyer  
Location(s): Minnesota

  Key Elements: Phase 1 Site investigation, Tier I Vapor Encroachment Screening Assessment, ASTM E2600-10, Wastewater treatment facility

  Overview: Caltha LLP conducted a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment for this property located in Minnesota which was the historical location of a solid waste management operation and more recently as a solid waste transfer facility. The facility stored and handled mixed municipal solid wastes from residential, commercial and light industrial sources. The focus of the environmental assessment was to determine if wastes residues remained on the property which could represent Recognized Environmental Conditions and potentially impact the future use of the property.

 The Phase 1 environmental also included a Tier I Vapor Encroachment Screening Assessment conducted in accordance with ASTM Standard E2600-10. The screening assessment determined which, if any, could be a potential soil vapor encroachment risk for the property being assessed.

 Click here for more information on Caltha's Environmental Assessment Services for commercial and industrial property transfer.





Caltha LLP | Your Environmental Site Assessment and Remediation Partner

Phase II Investigation Of Former Waste Treatment Plant

Caltha LLP Project Summary

Project: Phase II Investigation For Former WWTP Site 
Client: Prospective Buyer  
Location(s): Minneapolis / Saint Paul, Minnesota Metropolitan Area

Key Elements: Phase 2 Site investigation, GPRS, Ground Penetrating Radar, Wastewater treatment facility

Overview: Caltha LLP conducted a Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment for this property located in suburban Minneapolis / St Paul which was the historical location of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) and wastewater sludge management facilities. The property had been the site of a WWTP dating from 1965 through the 1980s. The WWTP and associated sludge handling facilities had been abandoned and demolished approximately 40 years ago. However, it was determined that some wastes and underground structures associated with the wastewater facility may have be disposed of or abandoned on-site.

 The focus of the Phase II Investigation was to determine if wastes and abandoned structures remained on the property which could represent Recognized Environmental Conditions and potentially impact the future use of the property. The investigation includes a Ground Penetrating Radar Survey within the area of the former WWTP identified in historical aerial photographs and a Trenching Investigation in areas of the former sludge drying basins.

 Click here for more information on Caltha's Environmental Assessment Services for commercial and industrial property transfer.

Caltha LLP | Your Environmental Site Assessment and Remediation Partner

Minneapolis, Minnesota Phase 1 For Mixed Use Property

Caltha LLP Project Summary

Project: Phase 1 ESA For Historical Mixed Use Site 
Client: Prospective Buyer  
Location(s): Minneapolis, Minnesota

Key Elements: Phase 1 Site investigation, Tier I Vapor Encroachment Screening Assessment, ASTM E2600-10

Overview: Caltha LLP conducted a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment for this multiple parcel property located Minneapolis, Minnesota. Phase 1 was conducted on behalf of a prospective Buyer. A focus of the Phase 1 ESA was to determine if any past uses of the property were considered "environmentally sensitive uses" which might impact the redevelopment of the property. The property had a long history of developed uses dating back to at least 1886, including residential and commercial uses. Historical records indicated past use as a filling station, a dry cleaner and a painting operation, all of which were considered a risk for site contamination.

 The Phase 1 environmental also included a Tier I Vapor Encroachment Screening Assessment conducted in accordance with ASTM Standard E2600-10. Numerous current and historic vapor sources were identified in the area. The screening assessment determined which, if any, could be a potential soil vapor encroachment risk for the property being assessed.

Oil Contaminated Soil Abandoned On-site

Click here for more information on Caltha's Environmental Assessment Services for commercial and industrial property transfer.

www.calthacompany.com 

Phase 1 Environmental Assessment of Illinois Distribution Warehouse

Caltha LLP Project Summary

Project: Phase 1 ESA For Warehousing and Distribution Center 
Client: Owner  
Location(s): Bloomington, Illinois

Key Elements: Phase 1 Site investigation, Tier I Vapor Encroachment Screening Assessment, ASTM E2600-10,

Overview: Caltha LLP conducted a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment for this property located in Bloomington, Illinois on behalf of the property owner. The property was currently being used as a warehouse and distribution center. The focus of the environmental assessment was to determine if past or current uses on the property could represent Recognized Environmental Conditions and potentially impact the future use of the property.

The Phase 1 environmental also included a Tier I Vapor Encroachment Screening Assessment conducted in accordance with ASTM Standard E2600-10. Current and historic vapor sources were screened in the area. The screening assessment determined which, if any, could be a potential soil vapor encroachment risk for the property being assessed.

 Click here for more information on Caltha's Environmental Assessment Services for commercial and industrial property transfer. Click for more project examples in Illinois.

Environmental Investigation of Abandoned Sewage Treatment Plant

Caltha LLP Project Summary

Project: Phase 1 ESA For Former WWTP Site 
Client: Prospective Buyer  
Location(s): Minneapolis / Saint Paul, Minnesota Metropolitan Area

Key Elements: Phase 1 Site investigation, Tier I Vapor Encroachment Screening Assessment, ASTM E2600-10, Wastewater treatment facility

Overview: Caltha LLP conducted a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment for this property located in suburban Minneapolis / St Paul which was the historical location of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) and wastewater sludge management facilities. The property had been the site of a WWTP dating from 1965 through the 1980s. The WWTP and associated sludge handling facilities had been abandoned and demolished approximately 40 years ago. However, it was determined that some wastes and underground structures associated with the wastewater facility may have be disposed of or abandoned on-site.

The focus of the environmental assessment was to determine if wastes and abandoned structures remained on the property which could represent Recognized Environmental Conditions and potentially impact the future use of the property.

Location of Wastewater Treatment Facilities Identified From Aerial Photos

 












The Phase 1 environmental also included a Tier I Vapor Encroachment Screening Assessment conducted in accordance with ASTM Standard E2600-10. Numerous current and historic vapor sources were identified in the area. The screening assessment determined which, if any, could be a potential soil vapor encroachment risk for the property being assessed.

 Click here for more information on Caltha's Environmental Assessment Services for commercial and industrial property transfer.

 

Caltha LLP | Your Environmental Site Assessment and Remediation Partner

Saint Cloud, Minnesota Area Phase I Environmental Assessment

Caltha LLP Project Summary

Project: Phase 1 ESA For Residential Development 
Client: Prospective Buyer  
Location(s): Saint Cloud, Minnesota Area

Key Elements: Phase 1 Site investigation, Tier I Vapor Encroachment Screening Assessment, ASTM E2600-10

Overview: Caltha LLP conducted a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment for this multifamily residential property located near Saint Cloud, Minnesota. Phase 1 was conducted on behalf of a prospective Buyer to meet the requirements of their Lender. A focus of the Phase 1 ESA was to determine if any past uses of the property were considered "environmentally sensitive uses" as defined by the SBA environmental policies and procedures.

Unpermitted Solid Waste Dump Site

The Phase 1 environmental also included a Tier I Vapor Encroachment Screening Assessment conducted in accordance with ASTM Standard E2600-10. Numerous current and historic vapor sources were identified in the area. The screening assessment determined which, if any, could be a potential soil vapor encroachment risk for the property being assessed.

Click here for more information on Caltha's Environmental Assessment Services for commercial and industrial property transfer.

www.calthacompany.com 

Phase I Environmental Company In Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa

Caltha LLP provides rapid response Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment and Phase 2 Environmental Assessments for clients across Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin.

Click here to review example projects and regulatory updates for:

Minnesota
Iowa
Wisconsin

Abandoned Chemical Drums Found During 

Phase 1 Environmental Inspection

What Makes Caltha Unique?

We believe that our clients expect and value technical expertise. Our clients also expect that when they hire a consulting company that claims a wealth of expertise and past experience, the staff they will ultimately work with should actually have that same expertise and experience. By choosing Caltha, our clients will always work directly with our senior professional staff, most of which have twenty or more years of experience. At Caltha, technical work does not get delegated to inexperienced staff. Because we rely on experience and expertise, work is done correctly the first time and tasks are completed in much less time. The result is a better product at a lower cost. Caltha also values a broad range of expertise in our professional staff. Like our clients, we need to understand the full spectrum of regulatory and liability pressures our clients face. Our professional working on your air permit also needs to have an understanding of RCRA hazardous waste requirements, and can assure that wastes from a new process are handled properly. By assigning staff with broad expertise, we can anticipate issues and take steps to avoid them, and in the end saving time and money.

Proper Handling And Recycling of PCB Containing Wastes

Client Sectors

Caltha provides expert services across a range of clients in the private and public sectors, including:

Industrial & Manufacturing Light Manufacturing Heavy Manufacturing Chemical Sector Food Products Sector Healthcare and Medical Device Sector Mining Sector Paper & Wood Products Sector Primary Metals and Metal Fabrication Electronic & Electrical Equipment Electric Generation & Transmission Transportation Sector

Professional and Institutional Clients Banks and Other Lending Institutions Real Estate Professional Law Firms Engineering Firms Schools and Universities Public Sector Clients Airports Public Utilities Port Authority Governmental Agencies

Caltha provides expertise in a wide range of business sectors

Community Involvement

Caltha LLP believes in maintaining strong connections within the professional community and our local communities. Caltha staff have had leadership roles within a number of professional organizations, including the Air & Waste Management Association, Academy of Certified Hazardous Material Managers, and the Industrial Council on Environmental Management. Caltha also provides continuing support to the Alliance of Hazardous Material Professional’s CHMMunity program. CHMMunity provides volunteer technical support of local certified Hazardous Material Managers to assist community projects.

What do our clients say?

In a recent survey of our clients, Caltha scored an average of 9.8 out of 10 on service, quality and overall client satisfaction. Here are some comments made by Caltha clients:

“Just a brief note to let you know how much our plant appreciates the exceptional performance your company provided us. You were able to quickly identify our unique concerns and responded with complete technical accuracy. More importantly, you educated me so I now have a comprehensive technical awareness of possible regulatory issues that I can use in the future. And if that were not enough, you were able to do that on a very compressed time schedule, enabling me to submit my report a day before the deadline. All this and at the lowest price of all competitors contacted. Thanks for a job well done.” Energy & Environmental Manager - Maryneal, TX

“provided excellent results on numerous environmental projects and divestitures… highly experienced, cost effective, thoughtful and smart!.” Corporate Audit Manager - Minneapolis, MN

“Leadership, collaboration, focus and expertise… skill set of engaging and enrolling others towards a common goal and/or purpose…extremely well educated in the broad scope of the environmental field.” Facility Environmental Health & Safety Manager - Arden Hills, MN

“We have hired many different consultants and have seen a wide range in responsiveness, expertise and quality… but, Caltha always provides consistently high quality services.” Environmental Attorney - Washington DC

Phase 2 Soil Vapor Testing For SBA Loan

Caltha LLP Project Summary

Project: Phase 2 Vapor Intrusion Testing To Meet SBA Lender Requirements 
Client: Prospective Buyer  
Location(s): Rochester, Minnesota Area

Key Elements: Phase 2 Site investigation, Soil Vapor Intrusion, Tier I Vapor Encroachment Screening Assessment, ASTM E2600-10

Overview: Caltha LLP conducted a Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment for this commercial property located in a historic downtown district of a southern Minnesota city. Phase 2 was conducted to meet the requirements of the Bank and the Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 Loan Program. The Phase 1 ESA on the property determined that several potential soil vapor intrusion sources were located on and near the site. The Phase 2 collected subslab soil vapor samples to determine if vapor encroachment was a significant risk that could affect the future use of the property. The testing was conducted in accordance with Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA)  "Vapor Intrusion Assessments Performed During Site Investigations. Guidance Document 4-01a.

The Phase 1 environmental also included a Tier I Vapor Encroachment Screening Assessment conducted in accordance with ASTM Standard E2600-10. Numerous current and historic vapor sources were identified in the area. The screening assessment determined which, if any, could be a potential soil vapor encroachment risk for the property being assessed.  

 
Canister Used For Subslab Soil Vapor Sampling


 Click here for more information on Caltha's Environmental Assessment Services for commercial and industrial property transfer.

   

Caltha LLP | Your Environmental Site Assessment 

and Remediation Partner

Oshkosh, WI Area Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment

Caltha LLP Project Summary

Project: Phase I Environmental Assessment 
Client: Food Sector Industry 
Location(s): Oshkosh, Wisconsin Area

Key Elements: Phase 1 environmental site assessment, ASTM 1527, soil vapor intrusion risk screening

Overview: Caltha LLP conducted a pre-acquisition environmental assessment for an industrial property located near Oshkosh. The property had a long history of industrial uses covering a range of industrial processes and chemical use. Records of underground storage tank removals conducted for prior Owners also had to be acquired and reviewed. Based on the Phase 1 ESA results, no significant issues were identified and the property sale was completed on schedule.

 
Large Floor Trench And Oil-Water Separator

 

Caltha LLP | Your Environmental Site Assessment 

and Remediation Partner

Environmental Site Assessment In Minnesota Historic District

Caltha LLP Project Summary

Project: Phase 1 ESA To Meet SBA Lender Requirement
Client: Prospective Buyer 
Location(s): Minnesota

Key Elements: Phase 1 environmental assessment, Tier 1 Soil Vapor Intrusion Screening

Overview: Caltha LLP conducted a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment for this commercial property located in a historic district in southern Minnesota. A Phase 1 assessment was conducted to meet the requirements of a prospective Lender and the Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 loan guarantee program.  The building in the property was constructed in 1884 and had a long history of commercial uses which had to be evaluated to determine if SBA "environmentally sensitive uses" of the property had occurred in the past. Caltha conducted a Tier I Vapor Encroachment Screening Assessment in accordance with ASTM Standard E2600-10 in which numerous potential vapor sources were screened to determine if they presented a risk for soil vapor encroachment at the Subject Property. Caltha issued a Reliance Letter to the Bank and SBA for the assessment.

 
Spills and Leaks In Former Oil Tank Room



Click here for more information on Caltha's Environmental Assessment Services for commercial and industrial property transfer.

   

Caltha LLP | Your Environmental Site Assessment 

and Remediation Partner

Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota Environmental Site Assessment

Environmental Assessments In Minnesota, South Dakota and North Dakota

Caltha LLP provides rapid response Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment and Phase 2 Environmental Assessments for clients across Minnesota, South Dakota and North Dakota.

 Click here to review example projects and regulatory updates for:

Minnesota
South Dakota
North Dakota

Abandoned Chemical Drums Found During

Phase I Environmental Assessment

 

What Makes Caltha Unique?

We believe that our clients expect and value technical expertise. Our clients also expect that when they hire a consulting company that claims a wealth of expertise and past experience, the staff they will ultimately work with should actually have that same expertise and experience. By choosing Caltha, our clients will always work directly with our senior professional staff, most of which have twenty or more years of experience. At Caltha, technical work does not get delegated to inexperienced staff. Because we rely on experience and expertise, work is done correctly the first time and tasks are completed in much less time. The result is a better product at a lower cost.

Proper Storage And Recycling of PCB Containing Wastes

Client Sectors

Caltha provides expert services across a range of clients in the private and public sectors, including:

Industrial and Manufacturing Light Manufacturing Heavy Manufacturing Chemical Sector Food Products Sector Healthcare and Medical Device Sector Mining Sector Paper and Wood Products Sector Primary Metals and Metal Fabrication Electronic and Electrical Equipment Electric Generation and Transmission Transportation Sector

Professional and Institutional Clients Banks and Other Lending Institutions Real Estate Professional Law Firms Engineering Firms Schools and Universities Public Sector Clients Airports Public Utilities Port Authority Governmental Agencies

Caltha provides expertise in a 

wide range of business sectors

Community Involvement

Caltha LLP believes in maintaining strong connections within the professional community and our local communities. Caltha staff have had leadership roles within a number of professional organizations, including the Institute of Internal Auditing, Air & Waste Management Association, Alliance of Hazardous Material Professionals, and the Industrial Council on Environmental Management.

Caltha also provides continuing support to the Alliance of Hazardous Material Professional’s CHMMunity program. CHMMunity provides volunteer technical support of local certified Hazardous Material Managers to assist community projects.

 

What do our clients say?

In a recent survey of our clients, Caltha scored an average of 9.8 out of 10 on service, quality and overall client satisfaction. Here are some comments made by Caltha clients:

“Just a brief note to let you know how much our plant appreciates the exceptional performance your company provided us. You were able to quickly identify our unique concerns and responded with complete technical accuracy. More importantly, you educated me so I now have a comprehensive technical awareness of possible regulatory issues that I can use in the future. And if that were not enough, you were able to do that on a very compressed time schedule, enabling me to submit my report a day before the deadline. All this and at the lowest price of all competitors contacted. Thanks for a job well done.” Energy and Environmental Manager - Maryneal, TX

“provided excellent results on numerous environmental projects and divestitures… highly experienced, cost effective, thoughtful and smart!.” Corporate Audit Manager - Minneapolis, MN

“Leadership, collaboration, focus and expertise… skill set of engaging and enrolling others towards a common goal and/or purpose…extremely well educated in the broad scope of the environmental field.” Facility Environmental Health & Safety Manager - Arden Hills, MN

“We have hired many different consultants and have seen a wide range in responsiveness, expertise and quality… but, Caltha always provides consistently high quality services.” Environmental Attorney - Washington DC

Phase 1 Environmental Consultants In Minnesota

Caltha offers Phase 1 Environmental Assessments  and Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessments at a very competitive cost for sites across Minnesota. Site assessments and site inspections are routinely conducted in cities across Minnesota, including:

• Minneapolis - Saint Paul Metropolitan Area
• Duluth, Minnesota
• St Cloud, Minnesota
• Moorhead, Minnesota
• Mankato, Minnesota
• Rochester, Minnesota
• Brainerd, Minnesota
• Grand Rapids, Minnesota
• All other areas of the State

Leaking Waste Solvent Drums Along Property Line


Clients should be aware that in November 2013, ASTM revised the Standard Practice for conducting a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment. Caltha now uses the new ASTM E 1527-13 method. Click here to review a summary of the changes to the ASTM Phase 1 requirements in the new ASTM E 1527-13.

 
Poor Maintenance Of Oil-Water Separator Results In Leaks

 Click here to review example Phase 1 Environmental Assessments and Phase 2 Investigations

  Click here to Request Phase I ESA Quick Quote 

   

Caltha LLP | Your Environmental Site Assessment 

and Remediation Partner

Environmental Assessment Companies In Wisconsin

Caltha offers Phase 1 Environmental Assessments  and Phase 2 Environmental Assessments at a very competitive cost for sites across Wisconsin. Site assessments and site inspections are routinely conducted in cities across Wisconsin, including:

• Milwaukee Metropolitan Area
• Madison, Wisconsin
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
• Duluth/Superior, Wisconsin
• Eau Claire, Wisconsin
• Lacrosse, Wisconsin
• Appleton, Wisconsin
• Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin
• Other cities

Leaking Hydraulic System On Trash Compactor

Click here for more Caltha project examples related to environmental site assessments, including Phase 1 ESA, Phase 2 site investigations, and site cleanup. Click here to review more project examples for facilities located in Wisconsin and Wisconsin regulatory updates.

  Click here to Request Phase I ESA Quick Quote

 

Caltha LLP | Your Environmental Site Assessment 

and Remediation Partner

Environmental Sampling At Minnesota Auto Repair Shop

Caltha LLP Project Summary

Project: Site Investigation of Oil Releases From Waste Oil Storage
Client: Facility Owner/Operator 
Location(s): Minnesota

Key Elements: Soil and Groundwater Site investigation, Groundwater sampling, Soil sampling, Soil Vapor Sampling

Overview: Caltha LLP conducted a Soil And Groundwater Site Investigation for this commercial property located in Minnesota. A Phase 1 assessment had determined a higher risk for leaks from a used oil storage tank located on the property.  A limited site investigation (Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment) confirmed that petroleum releases outside the building had occurred from this unit.

 
Spills and Leaks In Former Oil Tank Room

The release on the property had been reported to the MPCA and the Owner entered the MPCA Petroleum Brownfields Program to obtain a leak site closure letter. The site investigation was to define the magnitude and extent of the release and to identify any other contributing sources. The work included further soil borings, soil and groundwater sampling, and subslab soil vapor sampling, all done in accordance with MPCA guidance documents.

 
Fresh Oil Tanks and Dispensers


Click here for more information on Caltha's Environmental Assessment Services for commercial and industrial property transfer.

   

Caltha LLP | Your Environmental Site Assessment 

and Remediation Partner

Does State Get A Copy Of Phase 1 Environmental Report?

Does a Phase I Environmental Assessment Report need to be sent to State or EPA?

This is a Frequently Asked Question, along with the similar question, "Does the State or EPA have copies of old Phase 1 ESA reports?"

The simple answer to both is No; performing a Phase 1 Environmental Assessment on a property you intend to purchase or lease is voluntary. It is a risk management step taken to identify contamination issues on the property or nearby properties which can impact both the value and usability of the property. Once completed there is no requirement that the Phase I Environmental Assessment Report be submitted to any government agency, whether or not potential issues are identified.

 
Abandoned Gas Station Being Sold For Redevelopment

 However, if issues are identified on a property for which either the Owner or Buyer wishes to get some type of landowner liability protection (LLP) from the State or Federal agency, then agency will typically require all prior reports be submitted for review, including the Phase 1 Report. This is necessary to document that the party requesting liability protection conducted "All Appropriate Inquiry" and is eligible for the protections being requested. Records of these requests are maintained by the agency and the Phase 1 report(s) can typically be reviewed by formal request.

  More Information On Landowner Liability Protections and AAI

 

Caltha LLP | Your Environmental Site Assessment 

and Remediation Partner

Does A Phase 1 Report Require A Professional Engineer?

If you need your assessment to meet the ASTM standard, then the “environmental professional” you use will need to provide documentation that they meet the specific qualification requirements contained in ASTM E 1527-13. The ASTM specifies the professional qualification, education and experience needed to qualify as an Environmental Professional. These qualifications are different than professional engineer qualifications, or in other words, not all professional engineers would have the necessarily qualifications to be an Environmental Professional.  Most banks and government agencies will require that the Phase 1 be done in accordance with ASTM E1527, and therefore the person preparing the report must meet the Environmental Professional qualifications.


 
Poor Maintenance Of Oil-Water Separator
Results In Leaks Identified During Phase 1 

Different organizations and lenders may have additional requirements on who can conduct Environmental Site Assessments they will accept. For example, the Small Business Administration (SBA) requires that the environmental professional has a minimum of $1,000,0000 professional liability insurance, in addition to meeting technical qualifications.

    

Caltha LLP | Your Environmental Site Assessment 

and Remediation Partner

Do I Need Environmental Assessment If Paying With Cash?

A Frequently Asked Question Caltha receives is "Do I need a Phase I Environmental if I am not getting a bank loan?".

The simple answer is No; performing a Phase 1 Environmental Assessment on a property you intend to purchase or lease is voluntary. It is a risk management step taken to identify contamination issues on the property or nearby properties which can impact both the value and usability of the property.

 
Historical Map Reveals Old Filling Station On Property

The more complete answer is Possibly. The Phase 1 Assessment provides information which can be important to the value of a piece of property, which is not considered in other property valuation assessments. It is important to consider that a Phase 1 may be required in the future, if you use the property as collateral, or if you sell the property and a prospective Buyer uses a bank that would require a Phase 1. If in the future potential issues are identified, you can be responsible for cleanup,even if you did not cause the issue. The advantage of conducting an ESA most often cited is that it can establish you as an "innocent landowner", allowing some protection against this type of liability. Therefore it is better to have this information before purchasing a property.

 
Oil Staining At Used Oil Burner

Another tangible benefit of conducting an ESA is the knowledge gained in conducting a formal assessment of a property. This benefit is greatly augmented by adding issues to the ESA that are often outside the scope of a standard ASTM Phase 1. This could include:

• Describing the manufacturing process
• Evaluating environmental compliance
• Identifying potential "bottlenecks" created by permit limits or regulations
• Considering environmental compliance implications of your future plans for the facility
• Assessing impacts of upcoming regulations on a facility
• Understanding the current environmental management system.
• Evaluating the status of asbestos, lead-based paint and other issues typically excluded from a Phase 1 ESA; this issues are especially important if you intent to demolish and/or renovate existing structures.

 

Caltha LLP | Your Environmental Site Assessment 

and Remediation Partner

What Does A Phase 2 Environmental Assessment Cost?

The second most common question Caltha receives (after "How much is a Phase 1 Environmental Assessment?") is "How much is a Phase 2 Environmental Assessment?".

The most common answer is zero. Because a Phase 1 environmental assessment determines if a Phase 2 assessment is needed, we will not know if a Phase 2 is needed until after the Phase 1 is completed. Fortunately, the majority of Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessments do not identify issues which require a Phase 2, therefore there are no costs for a Phase 2.

 
Oil Spills Released Under Building At Floor Seams

If My Phase 1 Identifies Issues, What Does A Phase II Environmental Cost?

A typical Phase 2 will be in the range of $3,000 to $6,000. However, what needs to be included in the Phase 2 will be determined by the findings in the Phase 1 report. If there are extensive issues identified or if testing requires specialized equipment, the cost can increase.

 
550 Gallon Used Oil UST Being Removed At Former Service Station

What Comes After A Phase 2 Environmental Assessment?

A Phase 2 will generally look for the presence or absence of contamination on a property. If the presence of contamination is confirmed, in many cases it needs to be reported to the State agency. The agency could determine that no further investigations are needed, beyond the Phase 2. If any further investigation or cleanup is needed, it will be done in accordance with agency guidelines or with agency oversight and approval.


Unpermitted Commercial Waste Dump
Identified During Phase 1 Inspection

Are Phase 1 Environmental Assessment And Property Condition Assessment The Same?

In 2008, ASTM published “Standard Guide for Property Condition Assessments: Baseline Property Condition Assessment Process” (ASTM E 2018-08) to define the process for conducting a Property Condition Assessment (PCA).

 
Spills and Leaks In Former Oil Tank Room

 Actually, a PCA and an ESA have only minimal overlap, and are often complimentary. An ESA is performed to identify “Recognized Environmental Conditions (REC), which are related to releases or threatened releases of petroleum products and hazardous substances. An ESA report also has some specific regulatory aspects, related to Landowner Liability Protections (LLP). [Read more about LLPs].

ESA must be performed by “Environmental Professionals” meeting specific qualifications [Read more about qualification requirements]. If you are purchasing real estate and are concerned about environmental liabilities, a Phase I ESA is needed.


Oil Contaminated Waste Discovered During Onsite Inspection

A PCA is also a type of due diligence, pre-purchase, pre-lease, or post-lease inspection. However, the PCA evaluates the physical condition of buildings, systems and equipment at the property. A PCA identifies “red flags”. There are no specific qualifications required for persons performing PCAs. Because if this, there is no guarantee that the assessor’s qualifications will meet the client’s needs, simply because the assessor uses the ASTM standard.

 

Caltha LLP | Your Environmental Site Assessment 

and Remediation Partner

Environmental Assessment For Green Bay, Wisconsin SBA Lender

Caltha LLP Project Summary

Project: Transaction Screen & Phase 1 ESA For Historic Industrial Property
Client: SBA Lender
Location(s): Wisconsin

Key Elements:  Transaction Screen, Phase 1 ESA meeting SBA environmental requirements

Overview:  Caltha was retained by this Wisconsin Small Business Administration (SBA) lender to conduct environmental investigations required under SBA Environmental Policy SOP 50 10 5(C)- Lender and Development Company Loan Programs. The property qualified for a lower level of environmental review, which prescribed conducting a Transaction Screen using ASTM Method E-1528-08. The Transaction Screen identified past uses of the property as industrial and past spills and leaking tanks on adjoining properties. Therefore the next level of environmental review, consisting of a Phase 1 ESA using ASTM Method E-1527-05 was required. Based on the detailed environmental review, it was determined that past spills and other releases on and near the property had been adequately addressed, and were classified as "historic recognized conditions" only and no further investigation was required. The Phase 1 report was reviewed and accepted by SBA and a low-interest loan guaranteed through the SBA was obtained.

 
Commercial - Industrial Waste Dumping On Property

 For more information on Caltha LLP services, go to the Caltha Contact Page

 

Caltha LLP | Your Environmental Site Assessment 

and Remediation Partner