A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is an evaluation of a tract of land for recognized environmental conditions, and includes a detailed report of the findings. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has coined the term “All Appropriate Inquiries (AAI)” to define the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment process and has developed regulations establishing standards and practices for conducting Phase I ESAs. Phase I ESAs satisfy one of the requirements to qualify for the Innocent landowner, contiguous property owner, or bona fide prospective purchaser defense to liability imposed by the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA). Phase I ESAs are typically needed by buyers, sellers, brokers and lenders which are involved in the sale, purchase or lease of commercial, industrial, and agricultural properties. Phase I ESAs are typically required by financial lending institutions in order to assure that properties do not possess environmental conditions that could cause a valuation reduction of the property or the ability of the borrower to repay the loan. Phase I ESA are also used to establish baselines to allocate responsibility for clean-up costs.

Spring Environmental performs Phase I ESAs in accordance with the newly promulgated ASTM standard E1527-05 Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments which satisfy the requirements of the AAI Rule (40 CFR Part 312). The Phase I ESA is comprised of the following elements: Agency and historical records review; review of user provided information including but not limited to title records and warranty deeds, environmental lien searches, specialized knowledge, valuation reduction for environmental issues, and owner/occupant information; interviews with knowledgeable personnel, including but not limited to the owner, site manager, occupants, and with local government officials; site inspection and observation of adjoining properties; and report preparation.