Why It Is Necessary to Conduct a Site Assessment
A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment is an essential part of any commercial property purchase or refinance. This assessment is used to document due diligence that meets the requirements of the “Innocent Landowner Defense.” This defense protects buyers and lenders from responsibility for environmental contamination caused by a prior user of the site, so long as they were not aware of such contamination at the time of purchase. Moreover, recent legislation and judicial decisions have significantly increased the necessity for this assessment. However, despite its importance and reliability when it comes to addressing legal requirements, a Phase I Assessment should not be seen as a tool to just meet regulatory compliance, but also as a means to identify potential sources of environmental risk that could develop into costly liabilities for you in the future. The goal of performing such an assessment should then be to properly assess your full environmental risk before investing in a particular property. Doing so will provide peace of mind and can reduce expenses associated with unforeseen costs resulting from hidden environmental issues.Phase 1 vs Phase 2 Environmental Assessment—Side by Side
A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment is a desk-based review that evaluates the potential contamination of a site. This assessment includes a review of records to determine past uses of the land and any spills, releases or other sources of contamination from previous activities that may have taken place on the premises. In addition, a visual inspection of the current condition and comparison with site plans will be conducted. Furthermore, visual inspections for adjoining properties are looked at as part of the Phase I environmental site assessment. Conversely, a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment involves field investigations to further evaluate any potential prior contamination identified through the initial phase one review and visual inspection. The scope of work typically includes sampling of soil, shallow groundwater or building materials in accordance with applicable regulations to identify potential risks associated with the regulated substances found onsite. Samples collected during this phase are then sent to certified laboratories to detect levels of hazardous material and quantify it. Ultimately, phase two findings help to better understand and assess if there are any significant levels of contaminants in soils or groundwater that could require action such as remediation or mitigation measures before developments can proceed on the subject property.What you absolutely must be aware of concerning environmental site assessments
Environmental site assessments (ESAs) are an essential part of commercial property due diligence when purchasing a property. An ESA helps identify any potential soil or groundwater contamination, as well as the presence of hazardous products like asbestos or lead paint in buildings. By performing an assessment, you will get a better understanding of the condition of the property and be able to limit your liability should there be any pollution issues that need to be addressed. Most lenders require an ESA before they will allowed financing for a commercial property purchase, and many lending organizations such as BDC provide names of accredited experts who can perform the assessment. By going through this due diligence process, buyers can avoid any unpleasant surprises like costly clean-up after signing on the dotted line. Taking the time to do an environmental assessment can help avoid making costly mistakes that could derail business plans in the future.What are some of the possible outcomes in the event that a client does not obtain an environmental site assessment?
Without an Environmental Site Assessment, buyers can potentially be walking into a massive messy and expensive situation. Many factors – such as contaminated land – that require environmental assessments to be conducted in order for the property to be deemed safe for habitation may go unnoticed until after the purchase is complete, leaving the buyer liable for whatever clean up may result from contamination or other legal issues. This is exemplified in a client’s story of a cash-in buyer who failed to conduct due diligence before purchase. Upon needing financing, it was discovered that the property was contaminated and would require remediation that cost more than $100,000. This could have been alleviated by conducting an environmental site assessment prior to purchase and given the buyer a chance to negotiate or rethink their plans based on accurate information about the property’s condition. In this scenario, failure to conduct an assessment made it difficult to pursue the seller for supposed damages, leaving the ultimate cost with the unsuspecting buyer. If you need any information about the cost of a Phase 1 or Phase 2 environmental assessment, please email info@rsbenv.com. We look forward to hearing from youFrequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Phase 1 and Phase 2 Environmental Assessments?
Phase 1 Environmental Assessments are desk-based reviews focused on identifying the current state of an environment and any potential risks from past uses, through records review and visual inspections. They aim to identify areas that might need further investigation. In contrast, Phase 2 Environmental Assessments are more in-depth, involving field investigations and sampling of soil, groundwater, or building materials to evaluate potential contamination identified in Phase 1. These assessments quantify hazardous materials and assess the need for remediation.
Why is it necessary to conduct a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment?
A Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment is crucial for any commercial property purchase or refinance. It documents due diligence, meeting legal requirements for the “Innocent Landowner Defense,” which protects buyers and lenders from liabilities for environmental contamination by previous site users. Beyond regulatory compliance, it identifies potential environmental risks that could become costly liabilities, helping investors assess the full environmental risk before making a property investment.
What does a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment include?
A Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment includes a review of records to determine past land uses and any previous activities that might have led to contamination. It also involves a visual inspection of the site and adjoining properties to assess the current condition and identify any potential environmental risks. This assessment helps in making informed decisions about the need for further investigation or remediation.
What are the possible outcomes if a client does not obtain an Environmental Site Assessment?
Failing to obtain an Environmental Site Assessment can lead to significant financial and legal consequences. Buyers may unknowingly purchase contaminated land, resulting in costly cleanup and remediation expenses. Without an assessment, it’s challenging to hold previous owners accountable, leaving buyers liable for addressing pollution issues. Conducting an assessment helps avoid such pitfalls by providing crucial information on the property’s condition.
How can a Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment impact a property purchase?
A Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment, conducted when Phase 1 findings suggest potential contamination, involves detailed testing to confirm the presence and extent of hazardous materials. The results can significantly impact a property purchase decision by identifying the need for remediation or mitigation measures before development can proceed. This assessment helps buyers understand the environmental challenges of a property, potentially negotiating the purchase price or deciding against the investment based on the findings.