Phase I Environmental Site Assessment

CORE Environmental Consultants provides a comprehensive Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) to support real estate transactions, land development, and environmental due diligence. Conducted in accordance with ASTM E1527-21 standards and aligned with EPA’s All Appropriate Inquiry (AAI) rule, our assessments help buyers, lenders, attorneys, and developers evaluate the environmental condition of a property before acquisition or project kickoff.

CORE’s Phase I ESAs identify potential or recognized environmental conditions (RECs) that may affect the value, use, or regulatory status of a site—offering actionable insight and a foundation for liability protection.

When Is a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Required?

A Phase I Environmental Assessment is typically required when:

• Purchasing or refinancing commercial, industrial, or mixed-use property
• Applying for environmental liability protections under federal law (e.g., CERCLA)
• Entering into ground leases, tax credit programs, or municipal funding agreements
• Conducting Brownfield redevelopment or E-Designation clearance
• Performing due diligence during mergers, acquisitions, or site development

It’s also a best practice to obtain a Phase I ESA whenever potential contamination risks are suspected due to current or historical site uses.

What Does a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Include?

Our Phase I Environmental Site Assessment is structured to meet ASTM and EPA AAI requirements and are customized for your specific transaction or development needs. Every assessment includes the following core components:

1. Records Review

We review historical and regulatory documents to identify current and past site uses and any known or suspected contamination. This includes:

• Historic aerial photographs, fire insurance maps, and city directories
• Property deeds, zoning data, and prior environmental reports
• Federal and state environmental databases (e.g., NYSDEC spills, RCRA, CERCLIS)
• Adjoining property records to assess potential offsite risks

This step establishes a clear historical and regulatory context for the site.

2. Site Reconnaissance

A qualified environmental professional (EP) performs a visual inspection of the subject property to identify:

• Evidence of hazardous material storage or disposal
• UST/AST presence, piping, or venting infrastructure
• Stained surfaces, stressed vegetation, or waste accumulation
• Potential vapor intrusion pathways
• Surrounding land use that may pose environmental risk

This on-site inspection is documented with photographs and detailed field notes.

3. Interviews

CORE conducts interviews with current owners, operators, property managers, or knowledgeable site contacts to identify any known environmental concerns, past spills, storage practices, or unusual site conditions.

Additional outreach may be made to municipal agencies or local fire departments when relevant.

4. Findings, Opinions & Conclusions

All information is synthesized into a comprehensive report that includes:

• Identification of any Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs)
• Classification of Historical RECs (HRECs) and Controlled RECs (CRECs)
• Professional opinion on the likelihood of contamination or need for further assessment
• Recommendations for next steps (e.g., Phase II investigation, file review, or no action)

Our Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Report is delivered in PDF format, with executive summaries and appendices structured for legal review, lender submission, or permitting support.

Optional Enhancements

While not required for ASTM compliance, we can supplement a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment with:

• NYC E-Designation screening
• File review requests to regulatory agencies (FOIL or FOIA)
• Limited asbestos, lead, or PCB screening
• Energy or stormwater infrastructure evaluations
• HUD-specific formatting for multi-family housing reviews

These optional services help align your ESA with broader project needs or agency expectations.

Why CORE?

✅ ASTM and EPA-Compliant Reports
Every report meets the latest ASTM E1527-21 and AAI requirements, ensuring eligibility for CERCLA liability protections.

✅ Experienced Environmental Professionals
Our assessments are led by qualified EPs with decades of experience in property risk assessment across real estate, infrastructure, and industrial sectors.

✅ Fast Turnaround & Responsive Support
We accommodate urgent closings, multi-site portfolios, and complex projects—without sacrificing quality or defensibility.

✅ Integrated Services Available
If conditions warrant, we can seamlessly transition from a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment a to Phase 2 investigation, Brownfield enrollment, or remedial design.