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Partner Engineering and Science, Inc.
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Phoenix, Arizona Phase I Environmental Site Assessments

A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) in Phoenix, Arizona, is a critical step in evaluating the environmental condition of a property, typically before any real estate transaction or development project. It’s a comprehensive study to identify potential environmental risks or concerns associated with a property.

It’s important to note that a Phase I ESA doesn’t guarantee the absence of environmental issues but helps make informed decisions regarding property transactions. It’s a standard practice in the real estate industry to identify and manage potential environmental risks.

Consult with a qualified environmental professional, like the team of experts at Partner Engineering and Science, Inc., who is well-versed in Arizona’s regulations and the specific requirements of a Phase I ESA in the Phoenix area to ensure that the assessment is conducted correctly and thoroughly.

Solutions

Here's how the Phase I ESA process generally works in Phoenix, Arizona:

  • Selecting a Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP): The first step is to hire a qualified environmental consultant or professional. They should be experienced and knowledgeable about Arizona's environmental regulations and the specific requirements of the Phase I ESA process.
  • Historical Research: The consultant conducts thorough historical research about the property and the surrounding area. This may include reviewing historical maps, aerial photographs, and local records to identify any past uses that might have resulted in contamination.
  • Site Inspection: A physical inspection of the property is conducted. This involves a detailed visual examination of the property and any adjacent properties for signs of potential environmental concerns, such as chemical spills, hazardous materials, or underground storage tanks (USTs).
  • Regulatory Database Review: The consultant checks local, state, and federal environmental databases to identify any known contaminated sites in the vicinity of the property.
  • Interviews: Interviews with current and past property owners, occupants, and local government officials may be conducted to gather additional information about the property's history.
  • Report Preparation: The consultant compiles all the information gathered into a Phase I ESA report. This report will include findings, conclusions, and recommendations for further action if any environmental concerns are identified.
  • ASTM Standard E1527: The Phase I ESA in Arizona typically follows the ASTM Standard E1527-13, which outlines the specific requirements and procedures for conducting these assessments.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Compliance with Arizona's environmental regulations is essential. Phoenix and Arizona have specific regulations and agencies responsible for overseeing environmental issues, and these must be considered during the assessment. This is where using someone locally who's knowledgeable about what's needed.
  • Funding or Remediation: If environmental concerns are identified, further assessment (Phase II ESA) or an environmental remediation may be necessary. The property owner may need to allocate funds for further investigation or cleanup.
  • Review and Consideration: The Phase I ESA report is reviewed by the property owner and other relevant parties involved in the real estate transaction. Decisions are made based on the findings, and the report can influence the negotiation process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Specific environmental concerns can vary by location. In Phoenix, common concerns may include historical industrial activities, underground storage tanks, and hazardous materials usage. The Phase I ESA will help identify such issues.
If the Phase I ESA identifies potential environmental concerns, a Phase II ESA may be recommended. Phase II involves intrusive sampling and testing to confirm the presence of contamination.
Arizona has specific environmental regulations and agencies responsible for overseeing environmental issues. A Phase I ESA should consider these regulations when assessing environmental risks.
Yes, there are a few special requirements for Phase I ESAs in Phoenix, Arizona. For example, all Phase I ESAs in Phoenix must be prepared by a qualified environmental professional (QEP). Additionally, Phase I ESAs in Phoenix must include a review of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality's (ADEQ) database of known or suspected contaminated sites.

Digging Deeper

Phase I ESAs are conducted in accordance with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard E 1527-21. The process involves a review of historical records and a site visit to identify potential recognized environmental conditions (RECs). RECs are defined as the presence or likely presence of any hazardous substances or petroleum products in, on, or at a property under conditions that indicate an existing, impending, or potential release to the environment.

Common environmental hazards that are assessed during Phase I ESAs in Phoenix, Arizona include:

  • Soil and Groundwater Contamination from past industrial or commercial activities, such as gas stations, dry cleaners, and manufacturing facilities.
  • Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACMs) in buildings constructed prior to the 1980s.
  • Lead-Based Paint in buildings constructed prior to 1978.
  • Vapor Intrusion from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in groundwater or soil that can migrate into buildings through cracks in the foundation or slab.

If a REC is identified during a Phase I ESA, the environmental consultant may recommend a Phase II ESA to further investigate the potential contamination and determine its extent. Phase II ESAs typically involve soil and groundwater sampling and analysis.

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