In Houston, a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment checklist or ESA in commercial real estate is to help identify existing and potential contamination liabilities typically in underlying land and physical improvements to the real estate.
Meeting standards for environmental due diligence is a top priority for Houston RSB Environmental. Having completed over 1000 Houston Environmental Site Assessments, RSB Environment serves businesses with environmental audit phases, including phase I ESA questionnaires, and REC environmental assessment, etc. We are happy to be able to provide affordable Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment cost in Houston, San Antonio, throughout Texas and nationwide.
- To help determine if you need a Houston based Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment company, ask yourself these questions:
- Are you buying or refinancing a property?
- Does the business dispense or supply gasoline, fuel or other hazardous materials?
- Are any suspected hazardous substances on-site? (Whether due to past, current or future activities? Possibly due to neighboring properties? Is there a known threat or potential exceedance? Is the issue is related to cleanup or waste?)
If the answers are unknown, this could be a potential subject for enforcement action under federal or state laws.
RSB Environmental uses a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment Checklist that enables them to understand your property’s potential liabilities and meet due diligence standards set forth by the EPA, Federal, state, and local laws.
Whether done in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, other Texas cities or nationwide, as one of the best Phase I Environmental Site Assessment companies, RSB Environmental’s professionals with a minimum of 10 years of experience perform your new Phase 1 ESA.
As a national leader in Phase I Environmental Site Assessments, RSB Environmental esa report are completed to meet the standards of ASTM E1527-21. During the first step, a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Checklist provides guidance and serves as a legal record of the client’s knowledge of the site. Site Visit Historical Research Geology and Hydrogeology Regulatory Research Interviews and Document Review.
Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment Checklist for Houston Business:
These are the broad categories covered during environmental audit phases, and a phase i esa Questionnaire. These include a REC environmental assessment as defined by the ASTM E1527-21, to discover the hidden or future of any hazardous substances or petroleum products in, on, at or near a property that could pose a potential liability.
- Site Visit
- Historical Research
- Geology and Hydrogeology
- Regulatory Research
- Interviews and Document Review
For a full list and details of components in phase i esa in Real Estate, visit our Phase I Environmental Site Assessment checklist.
Although a variety of actions and events can trigger the need for a Phase I ESA, some common examples include (1) the purchase of real property by someone not previously on the title, (2) consideration by a lender regarding whether or not to provide a loan for the property, (3) partnership buyout or redistribution of ownership, and (4) application to a public agency for change of use or another discretionary land use permit. In addition, the owner’s desire to learn more about the toxic history of the site may prompt an ESA. Sometimes a regulatory agency will force an ESA as well if it suspects that toxic conditions exist at the site.
Call 1-833-910-2535 or Request A Quote to get a site specific price for your property.
RSB Environmental (An Alliance Technical Group Company) is a full-service environmental consulting firm, specializing in turnkey environmental solutions and environmental compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment for Houston properties?
A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, often called a Phase I ESA, is a standardized due diligence process that reviews the history and current condition of a property in Houston or other Texas locations. Professionals examine records, previous activities, aerial photographs, regulatory information and site reconnaissance to identify potential contamination, hazardous substances, petroleum products or other environmental concerns that could create liabilities for property owners, lenders or occupants.
Why do clients and lenders request Phase I ESAs before a property transaction?
Clients and lenders request ESAs to evaluate environmental risk before a purchase, sale, refinancing or other property transaction. The assessment provides insights into the presence of hazardous materials, soil or groundwater impacts and regulatory compliance issues. These findings support better decisions on financing, development and operations and can help limit future liabilities related to contamination.
How do ASTM standards such as E1527-13 influence the Phase I ESA process?
ASTM E1527-13 establishes the standard practice for Phase I Environmental Site Assessments. It defines important concepts such as recognized environmental conditions, sets expectations for the scope of work and outlines how records review, site inspection, interviews and reporting should be completed. Following this standard helps demonstrate that the ESA meets accepted professional practice and supports the due diligence requirements that apply in Texas and other states.
What types of information are collected during a Phase I ESA site assessment?
During a site assessment, environmental professionals gather a variety of information. Typical activities include a visual inspection of buildings and grounds, review of available reports and regulatory files, evaluation of historic uses, interviews with owners, occupants or operators and collection of photographs that document conditions. The team looks for signs of spills, stained soil, storage tanks, waste handling areas and other indicators that may require further investigation or remediation.
How do soil and groundwater concerns affect ESA findings and recommendations?
If evidence suggests that soil or groundwater may contain hazardous substances or petroleum products, the Phase I ESA report will highlight these risks as potential or confirmed recognized environmental conditions. Such findings can influence development plans, financing terms and operational decisions. Property owners may be advised to proceed with further investigation, such as a Phase II ESA, to evaluate the extent of impacts and to plan appropriate solutions.
What role do records, interviews and photographs play in the ESA report?
Historical records, regulatory files and interviews with knowledgeable parties provide context about past operations, industrial activities and previous incidents that may have affected the environment. Photographs taken by staff during the site visit help document conditions and support the written analysis. Together, these elements give clients and lenders a clear picture of potential hazards, compliance issues and long term risks associated with the property.
Can a Phase I ESA help manage liabilities for property owners and operators?
Yes. Completing an ESA according to ASTM standards allows property owners, operators and lenders to identify environmental risks before closing a transaction or starting new operations. Early identification of hazards supports informed decisions on risk management, remediation strategies and contract terms. This step can reduce future liabilities, support regulatory compliance and protect investments in Houston and across Texas.
When should a property owner consider updating or repeating a Phase I ESA?
A Phase I ESA is often considered current for a limited period, especially when property uses, site conditions or regulations change. Owners may choose to update or repeat the assessment before a new loan, sale, redevelopment project or significant change in operations. An updated ESA provides fresh analysis, incorporates new records and confirms whether earlier findings or risks have changed.
