Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs)

The purpose of a Phase I ESA is to identify recognized environmental conditions on a subject property, on adjacent properties, and in the vicinity of a subject site. TRAK conducts the Phase I ESA investigation and prepares a report of findings in accordance with the current ASTM Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments.

The Phase I ESA consists of four task areas.

Historical Record Review: TRAK professionals research the historical uses of a subject site and adjacent properties back to the first developed use of the property, or to 1940, whichever is earlier.  Using a variety of standard historical sources, TRAK may note any uses normally associated with the manufacture, generation, use, storage, and/or disposal of hazardous substances.  In addition to investigating commercial and industrial uses, where appropriate, TRAK may evaluate agricultural, oil production, and military uses, among others. 

Regulatory Agency Record Review: To determine whether current or past uses of a site and adjoining or nearby property are associated with a recognized environmental condition likely to adversely affect a subject property, TRAK conducts a search of available agency records, and where appropriate, may discuss the site with knowledgeable agency officials.  The review may include inquires by telephone or in writing to staff of local, county, regional, and state regulatory agencies.  TRAK also conducts a search of the most recent versions of standard agency databases to identify known contamination or releases on a site or on adjacent properties within the minimum search distance specified by ASTM standards.

Site Reconnaissance:  An environmental professional from TRAK physically inspects a subject property and its improvements to identify existing site conditions and land uses.  Conditions that may be noted include evidence of unauthorized releases or spills of hazardous materials, indications of liquid or solid waste dumping or disposal, presence and condition of surface water discharges, use or storage of petroleum products, and indications of current chemical manufacture, usage, storage, and disposal, as applicable.  Observations may include locations of groundwater wells or dry wells, underground storage tanks and aboveground tanks, pits, ponds, lagoons, sumps, clarifiers, drains, or other similar features.

Report:  TRAK prepares a complete report following the ASTM recommended outline, including TRAK's professional findings, opinions, conclusions, and recommendations, as well as color photographs, appropriate figures and supporting documentation.