Phase I Environmental Site Assessments

Aegis has developed a Phase I ESA protocol that satisfies the requirements of the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) Standard Practice for Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (E1527-00). The purpose of a Phase I ESA is to identify, to the extent feasible, Recognized Environmental Conditions (REC's) in connection with a site. REC's are defined as:

"The presence or likely presence of any hazardous substances or petroleum products on the property (Site) under conditions that indicate an existing release, a past release, or a material threat of a release of any hazardous substances or petroleum products into structures on the property (Site) or into the ground, groundwater, or surface water of the property. The term includes hazardous substances or petroleum products even under conditions in compliance with laws. The term is not intended to include de minimis conditions that generally do not present a material risk or harm to public health or the environment and that generally would not be the subject of an enforcement action if brought to the attention of the appropriate governmental agencies."

Our Phase I ESA will provide a professional opinion as to the potential for contamination from hydrocarbon or hazardous waste to exist, which may require remedial action. The Phase I ESA includes the following general scope of work.

• A physical inspection of the site for surface conditions and potential environmental problems or suspect contamination areas (e.g. evidence of past filling activity, partially buried metal or other debris, discolored pavement or stressed vegetation, unusual odors, wells, vent pipes, fill pipes, dispensing equipment, or other signs of above- or below-grade fuel or chemical tanks, chemical storage, spill control containment devices, septic tank drain fields, transformers and other electrical equipment which may contain PCBs). The site inspection typically includes a visual inspection of the interior of any structures on the site including maintenance/repair areas, storage areas, and a representative sample of occupant spaces. Conditions of adjoining properties, to the extent they can be observed from the site, are also noted.



• A review of available property records and/or other information to establish past land usage. Information including ownership records, Sanborn maps, USGS and Soil Conservation Service publications, aerial photographs, and prior environmental assessment are reviewed if available. Topographic, geologic, hydrogeologic, and hydrologic information is also reviewed.



• Interviews with property owners, occupants or other key site managers are conducted to obtain information about uses and conditions at the site.



• A review of available information and data from Federal, State and local sources as to listings under CERCLA, FINDS, ERNS, RCRA, UST, LUST and other federal or state programs for the ASTM-specified vicinity in which the site is located.

A report is prepared that documents the physical conditions observed, supplies a site plan detailing significant conditions, and provides conclusions including a statement of likelihood of the site being affected by REC's. If pertinent, recommendations for further exploration or remediation for those conditions are provided.

Our standard turn-around timeframe for completing a Phase I ESA is 3 weeks. However, if a quicker turn-around time is needed, just advise us in advance so we can expedite the assessment. We will not take on a project we can not complete within the proposed time-frame.

The cost for conducting a Phase I ESA varies depending upon a number of factors such as property use and size, prior land use and location. Aegis also offers discounts for multiple sites. If you are in need of a Phase I ESA, please give us a call or (request a quote).

Unless specifically requested, the Scope of Services for the Phase I ESA does not include assessment for mold, asbestos, lead-based paint, radon, formaldehyde, wetlands, lead-in-drinking water, or other testing. However, Aegis will provide these services upon request.

Tenant Surveys

This pro-active assessment is often requested by the landowners/lending institutions to ensure tenants are not adversely impacting the environmental quality of their property. The survey identifies tenants that generate hazardous or industrial waste. Knowing waste is being generated at a facility allows the landowner/lending institution the opportunity to ensure waste are being properly disposed of in a timely manner and will not be left behind if the tenant leaves. The tenant surveys and inspections can save landowners/lenders considerable grief and possibly thousands of dollars in environmental clean-up or waste disposal cost.

Other Property Assessment Services

• Environmental Transaction Screenings
• Compliance Audits
• Environmental Disclosure Documentation
• Asbestos & Lead Inspections
• Brownfield Consulting