A Phase I environmental site assessment reviews records and observes a property under a specified practice to identify recognized environmental conditions, generally without sampling.
Definition
Civil engineering firms may perform or coordinate a Phase I environmental site assessment to inform a property transaction, redevelopment plan, or project decision. The work generally includes review of historical and regulatory records, interviews, a site visit, and professional evaluation under the specified practice. The contract and report should identify the property's boundaries, purpose, applicable practice, intended users, timing, and reliance conditions. Firms may define and price the scope differently based on property size, access, available records, and reporting requirements. A Phase I generally does not include soil, groundwater, or soil gas sampling, and it cannot establish that no environmental concerns exist. If the review identifies a concern or leaves a question unresolved, a client may consider further investigation, such as a Phase II assessment. The report provides findings within its stated scope; it is not a guarantee, a legal determination of liability, or regulatory approval. The EPA provides information on environmental programs and regulations.
How owners use it
- Set the property's boundaries, records review, site visit, intended users, and reliance terms in the proposal.
- Explain identified conditions and report limitations to the client, including whether further evaluation may be appropriate.
- A $9,000 Phase I fee less $1,500 in subcontracted records and site costs leaves $7,500 before other project costs.
- Track the assessment separately from later sampling so the client can see which work answers which questions.
