Valparaiso Indiana Phase I Site Assessements and UST Management
We also provide: Asbestos Assessments, Lead Investigation, Radon Investigation & Remediation, as well as other environmental services
Once known as the “City of Churches” in the late 19th century, Valparaiso has long been an important city in the Midwest. Serving as a transportation checkpoint for railroads directed towards Pittsburgh, Chicago, and Fort Wayne, there have been loyal residents and workers in the city nicknamed Valpo.
Presently, there are plenty of opportunities for business owners and investors to purchase commercial property in Valparaiso. However, with this city’s particular history of manufacturing and transportation, there are concerns about environmental factors that could impact your business or investment plans.
Old commercial buildings, especially located in areas of construction and manufacturing, have been known to contain dangerous elements such as asbestos, contamination, or have a presence of USTs. There may also be a history of improperly storing regulated compounds, which can lead to long-term issues for the environment, your health, and future investments.
As a business owner, you could be held liable for environmental dangers present in your commercial property. Fortunately, you can remedy the situation to make it safe for your customers, employees, and the surrounding area.
Phase I ESA
The first step you should take to identify present and past environmental risks in your recently purchased commercial property is to conduct a Phase I ESA. This test will show the presence of regulated compounds that may lead to the contamination of soil gas, groundwater, and soil. Without this low-cost environmental test, it can be quite challenging to know if risks are present. A professional will come to your commercial property and assess potential environmental risks to ensure the safety of you, your staff, your property, and the surrounding environment.
UST Management
There are times when you can identify yourself when an underground storage tank (UST) is present on your commercial property, and some cases require you to have a professional assessment. If you have found a UST on your property, it’s crucial for it to be assessed, removed, cleaned, and disposed of in a safe and secure manner. This process can vary depending on each specific case and does require the work and attention of an environmental professional to create a course of action and oversee proper removal and disposal of the UST.
Asbestos Assessment
Asbestos was used to insulate commercial buildings until 1989. This pink carcinogen is dangerous to breathe in and is known to have caused cases of lung cancer and other respiratory issues. If you find asbestos in your commercial building, you are responsible for removing it safely. The safest way to dispose of this harmful material is to work with professional experts who can dispose of it properly so you can limit your liability. It’s also a good idea to identify if a property contains asbestos before your purchase it, which you can do with Aegis Environmental’s professional inspection service.
Lead Investigation
While lead is a natural element, it poses great harm to our health. In the past, lead was used in almost everything we used, including children’s toys, makeup, gasoline, and even the paint we used on the walls of our homes. If you purchase a commercial property built before 1978, before lead-based paint was officially banned by the government, it’s crucial to have a lead investigation conducted on the property and take steps to remedy the situation to create a safe environment for you, your staff, and your customers.
Radon Investigation
Radon is yet another naturally occurring element that is found almost everywhere. However, when it’s inhaled in an enclosed space, it could cause dangerous health issues, including respiratory problems. Radon is a gas released from soil and can leak into basements if there are cracks in the foundation or other minor entry points, which prevents the gas from dissipating and becoming harmful. If there are known increased radon levels on the building you are purchasing, it’s essential to conduct a radon investigation. With Aegis Environmental, our professionals will test the radon levels and assess the situation in your building.
Get A FREE Quote Today!
When purchasing a commercial building in Valparaiso, Indiana, do your due diligence to limit your liability and environmental impact with Aegis Environmental. With over 20 years of experience, we have helped countless property owners create a safer and more environmentally-friendly space. For more information call: (219) 221-6092 or request a quote online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Asbestos Services Does Aegis Provide?
Aegis provides full-service asbestos inspection and removal services. From property inspections to identifying its presence to asbestos abatement, our primary services include air monitoring and analysis, destructive sampling, clearance sampling, and demolition/renovation asbestos surveys.
Is Aegis Capable of Dealing with a Large Tank on an Active Job Site?
Yes, we have handled hundreds of tank closures in various environments, including active construction sites to agricultural properties. We work with onsite crews to achieve minimal disruption for seamless tank removal. We also perform high-standard work as stated by OSHA regulations.
What is Radon, and Why Should I Test for It?
Radon is an odorless, naturally occurring radioactive gas released from the ground. It can migrate into your building through cracks or openings in your building’s slab, foundation, or sump. This gas can cause serious health issues if breathed in for an extended period of time. The federal and state government has regulated the amount of radon that is acceptable.
My Lender Needs a Phase I ESA – Does Aegis Provide Reports That Meet Their Requirements?
Yes, lenders accept our reports after performing a Phase I ESA. Our reports comply with industry standards defined by the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) Standard Practice requirements for Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (E1527-21) and Environmental Protection.
