Environmental Site Assessment
Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) for property transfers focus on assessing the potential for environmental liability based on significant research and limited sampling, if required. Because significant business and risk management decisions are made based on the data generated, they require extreme care and diligence in their execution.
Environmental assessments carried out by Alpha are expertly directed by a team of professionals with a diverse set of complimentary skills and expertise. All projects undergo a thorough technical review consisting of an initial peer review, followed by a final review by a single dedicated project director. All sources of information employed during the assessment are thoroughly cross-referenced and examined for accuracy. All professional opinions are meticulously detailed, clearly illustrating the factors involved in formulating conclusions and subsequent recommendations.
This process ensures the quality and accuracy of the information presented, and ensures that the assessment report remains significant and relevant over extended periods of time.
Alpha's staff has extensive experience in developing and implementing client-specific scopes of work and reporting formats. Whether a client has developed their own proprietary scope of work or must meet the requirements of a capital partner or the secondary market, Alpha is versed in the wide variety of scope variations that exist in the marketplace today, and can custom craft a specific format to suit your unique needs.
Phase I Environmental Site Assessment
The Phase I assessment can involve some or all of the following evaluations of potential damages or liability: on-site hazardous waste contamination, off-site contingent liabilities, and on-site regulatory compliance. Alpha performs the initial investigation to identify potential areas of contamination by reviewing past and current activities conducted on-site and at adjacent properties. This Phase I assessment involves conducting some or all of the following activities:
- Site walk through
- Surrounding area walk through
- Historical aerial photographs review
- Review of chemical use and storage records
- Historical document review
- State, county, and local record review
- Sampling (if requested):
- Asbestos, lead-based paint, radon gas, drinking water
quality
- File search
- Personnel interviews
Based on the information gathered during the Phase I assessment, Alpha will prepare a report summarizing the findings and providing professional opinions regarding the potential for an environmental concern to be present at the site. As necessary, Alpha will make recommendations for additional work and provide associated cost estimates.
Transaction Screen Process (ASTM E 1528)
Transaction Screens represent a reduced scope of work from the Phase I Assessment and are designed to aid in developing information about the environmental condition of commercial real estate. Use of the Transaction Screen is intended to constitute appropriate inquiry for the purposes of CERCLA's innocent landowner defense and is considered to be a commercially prudent assessment. While use of the Transaction Screen is not always appropriate to meet the client's needs, Alpha, in consultation with our clients, may identify opportunities to meet the client's risk management profile with this process. Transaction Screens include the following tasks:
- Site reconnaissance
- Limited historical search
- Limited database search
- Owner/occupant questionnaire
- Report documenting findings and recommendations
Phase I Update
Based on the ASTM Phase I ESA standard, a Phase I ESA report is valid for up to 180 days. Alpha conducts Phase I updates to identify possible changes in site conditions and/or surrounding properties.
Third Party Peer Review
Alpha performs Third Party Peer Reviews on reports prepared by other consultants. Alpha's team of consultants review reports to ensure that industry standard methods were employed by the report authors. This represents an extension of the client's internal quality control process and ensures that each client's standards have been met. Alpha provides the client with an objective unbiased interpretation of the reports methodology and findings.
Environmental Sampling
Phase II Environmental Assessment
When the Phase I assessment indicates the need for actual on-site sampling and analysis, or when the liabilities associated with the transaction dictate further action, a Phase II investigation is needed. The purpose of this investigation is to obtain a better understanding of the potential environmental liabilities for the property and the financial impacts of such liabilities. This is usually accomplished by field sampling and analytical laboratory testing of air, soil, groundwater, and/or site building materials to assess the presence and extent of hazardous chemicals that are suspected or have been identified during the Phase I assessment. Some hazardous materials identified at a property may be effectively maintained in place under the provisions of an Operations and Maintenance Plan (O&M). To accomplish this, Alpha provides the following services:
- Phase II Sampling and Subsurface Investigations
- Soil Vapor Survey
- Radon Survey
- Comprehensive/Limited Asbestos Survey
- Comprehensive/Limited Lead-Based Paint Survey
- Operations & Maintenance Plans (Asbestos/Lead-Based Paint)