Phase I Environmental Site Assessments

A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment is the only report that provides an owner with protection from environmental liability associated with a real estate asset. Completing over a thousand environmental assessments a year on all types of properties Odic Environmental has a reputation for being experts in Phase I Reports and the new ASTM 1527-13 Guidelines that govern these reports. Private and Commercial Lenders, the Small Business Administration (SBA) and many commercial property owners seek our advice on environmental issues.

All Appropriate Inquiries Rule

In November of 2006, the Environmental Protection Agency introduced the All Appropriate Inquiries (AAI) Rule that further governs the requirements of a Phase I Environmental Assessment Report. In order for the Phase I to provide the environmental liability protection (CERCLA’s innocent land owner defense), the Phase I must include specific items in the scope of work; those requirements include:

Phase I Scope:
Site Visit
Site Inspection
Assess the Presence of Hazardous Materials or Petroleum Products
Historical Research
Historical Aerial Photographs
City Directories (Historic Phone Books)
Building Permits
Planning Records
Topographical Maps
Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps
Department of Oil and Gas Maps
Title Information

Interviews and Document Review
Interview Tenants and Owners
Interview State and Local Regulators
Review Provided Reports
Review of Agency records include State & Federal Environmental Agencies
Regulatory Research
Fire Departments
Geology and Hydrogeology
Soil Type
Geological Setting
Groundwater Depth

Our reports include the above scope of work and therefore meets the requirements to meet the CERCLA innocent landowner defense. If problems should be found in the course of completing the Phase I report, we advise our clients on the next steps in order to stay in compliance with the laws.