Phase 1 Environmental 

A Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment is crucial for identifying potential environmental risks associated with a property, facilitating informed decision-making in real estate transactions, and ensuring compliance with regulations. It provides essential information to mitigate financial risks, protect against liability, and instill confidence among stakeholders by demonstrating a commitment to due diligence and environmental responsibility. Ultimately, a Phase 1 ESA is a vital step in safeguarding both the property and the interests of those involved in its development or acquisition.

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Why get a Phase 1

1. Definition:
   
   • A Phase 1 ESA is a systematic investigation to identify potential environmental liabilities associated with a property.
2. Purpose:
   
   • The primary goal is to assess if there are any recognized environmental conditions (RECs) that could impact the property value or pose a threat to human health.
3. Process:
   
   • Typically involves a thorough review of historical records, site inspections, and interviews with current and past property owners.
4. Scope:
   
   • The assessment covers the entire property, including structures, surface and subsurface soil, groundwater, and potential sources of contamination nearby.
5. Regulatory Compliance:
   
   • Conducted in accordance with ASTM International standards (ASTM E1527-13), and compliance with these standards is often required by lenders and regulatory agencies.
6. Reporting:
   
   • A detailed report is generated, highlighting findings and recommendations. If no issues are found, the property is considered "clean."
7. Implications for Transactions:
   
   • The results of a Phase 1 ESA can influence property transactions. If contamination is identified, it may lead to further investigation (Phase 2 ESA) or impact the terms of the deal.
8. Environmental Professionals:
   
   • Typically conducted by environmental professionals with experience in environmental site assessments.
9. Legal Protection:
   
   • Conducting a Phase 1 ESA can provide legal protection under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) if any contamination is discovered later.
10. Continued Compliance:
    
    • Regular updates or additional assessments may be required to ensure ongoing compliance with environmental regulations.

Geographical Areas Covered 

Green Valley Inspections covers most of Southern California for Phase 1 Environmental surveys including :
Los Angeles County, Orange County, Riverside County,
​San Diego County and San Bernardino County

Wider Scope

1. Historical Records Review:
   
   • Examination of historical documents, aerial photographs, maps, and regulatory records to identify past uses of the property and surrounding areas that may have caused contamination.
2. Site Inspection:
   
   • A thorough on-site inspection to visually assess the current conditions, including buildings, structures, and potential areas of environmental concern. This may involve interviews with current and past property owners or occupants.
3. Interviews:
   
   • Discussions with individuals knowledgeable about the property's history to gather information about past uses, potential sources of contamination, and any known environmental issues.
4. Government Database Searches:
   
   • Searches of federal, state, tribal, and local environmental databases to identify known contaminated sites in the vicinity of the property.
5. Regulatory Compliance Review:
   
   • Evaluation of the property's compliance with environmental regulations and identification of any open permits or violations.
6. Adjacent Properties Assessment:
   
   • Examination of neighboring properties and activities that could impact the subject property, as well as potential migration pathways for contaminants.
7. Subsurface Investigation (if warranted):
   
   • While not typically part of a Phase 1 ESA, if potential issues are identified, it may recommend a Phase 2 ESA, which includes subsurface sampling and testing for contaminants.
8. Report Preparation:
   
   • Compilation of findings and recommendations in a detailed Phase 1 ESA report, following the ASTM International standards (ASTM E1527-13). The report includes a summary of the assessment process, identified environmental conditions, and recommendations for further action if necessary.

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