Phase I ESA
Environmental Assessments for Commercial Real Estate
Phase 1 & 2 Specialists Help You Unearth the Facts
Commercial real estate development and operations have a significant environmental footprint. Failure to comply with environmental regulations can lead to costly penalties, legal issues and reputational damage for property owners and managers. Our firm provides comprehensive environmental consulting services tailored to the commercial real estate industry. We understand the commercial real estate environmental factors that play into how your property could be negatively effected if no assessment takes place. Our team ensures clients stay ahead of evolving regulations and maintain robust environmental stewardship across their portfolio of office buildings, retail centers and industrial properties.
Commercial Real Estate Assessment Services
Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment (ESA)
Our Phase 1 ESA services conduct thorough evaluations to identify potential risks and recognized environmental conditions (RECs) associated with your commercial real estate property. We provide a clear understanding of the site's environmental history and potential liabilities.
Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment (ESA)
Through intrusive investigation techniques, our Phase 2 ESA services delve deeper into identified environmental concerns from the Phase 1 assessment. Phase 2 includes soil and groundwater sampling, laboratory analysis and risk assessment to comprehensively evaluate potential contaminants on your commercial site.
Site Investigation for Commercial Real Estate
Our site investigation services uncover environmental issues on your commercial real estate property. We utilize advanced techniques to identify the extent of contamination, providing valuable insights for effective remediation planning and risk management.
CERCLA: Why Due Diligence Is Necessary
Environmental due diligence is necessary because the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) holds current and previous property owners responsible for covering the costs of environmental cleanup, regardless of whether they were the ones who caused the contamination. CERCLA imposes joint and several liability, allowing the EPA to pursue any liable party for full remediation. Conducting environmental site assessments identifies potential liabilities and mitigates the risks associated with property ownership or acquisition.
8 Common Q&A: Commercial Real Estate Environmental Assessments
1. Why is environmental due diligence necessary?
Environmental due diligence identifies potential environmental liabilities associated with a property, mitigating risks and ensuring compliance with regulations.
2. When is environmental due diligence required?
Due diligence is often mandated during real estate transactions, property transfers or when obtaining financing or insurance for commercial or industrial properties.
3. Who bears the cost of the environmental audit?
Typically, the buyer or entity acquiring the property is responsible for covering the costs of the environmental assessment.
4. What does the environmental audit entail?
It typically involves a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment (ESA), which includes a thorough review of property records, site inspections and interviews to identify potential environmental concerns. If issues are identified, a Phase 2 ESA may be conducted, involving sampling and analysis.
5. Can we proceed with testing immediately?
In most cases, a Phase 1 ESA must be completed first to determine if further testing or a Phase 2 ESA is necessary.
6. How long does an environmental assessment take?
The duration depends on the complexity of the property and the scope of the assessment, but a Phase 1 ESA typically takes 2-4 weeks to complete.
7. How much will it cost?
Costs range from a few thousand dollars for a basic Phase 1 ESA to tens of thousands for a comprehensive Phase 2 ESA, depending on the size and nature of the property.
8. If I am paying cash, do I still need an environmental audit?
Yes, environmental due diligence is recommended even for cash transactions, as it helps identify potential environmental liabilities and protects the buyer's interests.
Commercial Real Estate Industries We Serve
Hyde Environmental proudly serves a diverse range of commercial real estate across the Midwest, including:
- Office Buildings
- Retail Centers & Malls
- Industrial Parks & Warehouses
- Business Parks
Environmental Compliance and Sustainability Consulting
Our environmental consulting services offer solutions for environmental compliance and sustainability practices specific to commercial real estate. We assist with regulatory compliance, pollution prevention and sustainable practices to mitigate environmental risks and liabilities.
