Environmental Due Diligence
Environmental Due Diligence is the process of assessing a parcel of real estate for hazardous materials and/or petroleum products originating from past uses, inadvertent chemical releases, illegal dumping, and other activities.
Under the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”) (42 U.S.C. §9601) landowners are liable for environmental contamination on a parcel even if it originated from a previous use or migrated from another property.
When conducted properly, an environmental assessment satisfies one of the conditions that limit the CERCLA liability of landowners, contiguous property owners, and prospective buyers. The first step in the process is to conduct a Phase I Environmental Assessment (ESA) in accordance with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) E1527 or ASTM E2247. The environmental professional reviews historical data and conducts a site reconnaissance with the goal of identifying Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs).
The Phase I ESA is intended to quickly establish the documented history of the site, and does not include testing or sampling. Should RECs be identified during the Phase I ESA, the environmental professional may recommend a Phase II ESA that may include soil and/or groundwater sampling, geophysical surveys, and other onsite testing based on the nature of the REC(s).
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From historical use determination to onsite soil and groundwater sampling, our team is experienced in environmental assessment activities encompassed by the following ASTM standards:
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ASTM E1527 (Phase I Environmental Site Assessment)
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ASTM E1528 (Transaction Screen)
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ASTM E1903 (Phase II Environmental Site Assessment)
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ASTM E2247 (Phase I ESA for Forestland or Rural)
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ASTM E2600 (Vapor Encroachment Screen)
Have a question about environmental due diligence? Contact us today at 855-720-2333 or contact@excelsiorflorida.com
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