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Phase I ESAs:
STERLING performs environmental site assessments (ESAs) using American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard E1527-2005 for All Appropriate Inquiry (AAI), the industry standard for performance of environmental due diligence typically required by lenders and regulatory agencies. Phase I ESAs are typically conducted to evaluate the potential for release of hazardous substances or petroleum products, and to identify “recognized environmental conditions.”
A Phase I ESA under this method consists of:
- Reviewing governmental records (tax maps, building permits, zoning approvals) and databases (environmental permits, spill reports, remedial actions)
- Reviewing available literature (prior reports, permit records), aerial photographs and available mapping (e.g., topographic and fire insurance maps)
- Interviews with government officials and other parties knowledgeable of the property and its history (current and past owners/occupants)
- Conducting site inspection (including building interior, exterior, and observations of adjacent properties)
- Report preparation
STERLING performs Phase I ESAs for a wide variety of clients, such as parties conducting pre-acquisition due diligence on multiple properties, individuals and small companies interested in buying a property, attorneys assisting clients, small and large companies wanting to assess their own property before initiating the sales process, and developers needing to control risk prior to a major investment. STERLING is experienced in transitioning from the Phase I ESA process to subsequent steps while assisting clients in their specific needs.
Phase II ESAs:
Phase II ESAs generally consist of a more extensive investigation into identified environmental conditions. The objective of a Phase II ESA is to evaluate the environmental condition in order to provide sufficient information regarding the nature and extent of contamination to allow informed business decisions.
A Phase II ESA may include:
- Environmental sampling (soil, groundwater, surface water, soil vapor)
- Geophysical surveys (radar, magnetometer)
- Test pits and/or trenches
- Dye tracing
STERLING has designed and completed Phase II investigations on many properties with a wide range of histories including locations of former or active:
- Spills of petroleum, hazardous chemicals or pesticides;
- Petroleum or chemical tanks;
- Fuel stations;
- Factories;
- Dry cleaners;
- Container storage areas;
- Floor drains;
- Landfills;
- Pesticide storage or application;
- Solid waste storage; and
- Waste collection floor sumps.
STERLING has been involved in negotiations between buyers and sellers regarding cleanups where environmental conditions have been identified.
Phase III ESAs:
Phase III efforts involve remediation or mitigation of sites impacted by petroleum or hazardous substances. STERLING has utilized its expertise to design and gain NYSDEC approval for remedial or mitigating work plans, to obtain competent contractors, to supervise the work effort and conduct and report upon the confirmatory sampling.
