Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment Cost
Find professional Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment services near you. Connect with certified environmental consultants across the USA.
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Popular Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment around USA
NV Division of Environmental Protection
📍 1Richard Bryan Building 901 S Stewart St # 4001 Carson City NV 89701 United States
Rex Environmental of Colorado Springs
📍 2020 N Academy Blvd #336 Colorado Springs CO 80909 United States
Associated Environmental Services LLC
📍 40701 Woodward Ave # 50 Bloomfield Hills MI 48304 United States
Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment Cost Calculator
Get an instant estimate for your Phase 1 ESA based on property characteristics and location
Additional Services (Optional)
Typical Cost Range
Most Phase 1 ESAs cost between $2,000-$5,000 for standard commercial properties
Timeline
Standard assessments take 2-4 weeks from start to final report delivery
Protection
Protects against environmental liability and provides CERCLA defense
ASTM Standards
All assessments follow ASTM E1527 standards for environmental due diligence
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment?
▼A Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is a comprehensive evaluation to identify potential environmental contamination on a property. It follows ASTM E1527 standards and includes:
- Historical Records Review: Examining past property uses, aerial photos, and regulatory databases
- Site Inspection: Physical walkthrough of the property and surrounding areas
- Interviews: Speaking with current and former owners, operators, and local officials
This assessment helps identify Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs) and protects buyers from unexpected environmental liabilities.
How long does a Phase 1 ESA take to complete?
▼A Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment typically takes 2-4 weeks to complete. The timeline depends on several factors:
- Property complexity: Industrial sites require more research than simple commercial properties
- Historical records availability: Older properties may need additional investigation
- Location: Remote properties may require extra coordination time
Typical Process Timeline:
- Records review: 3-5 days
- Site inspection: 1 day
- Report preparation: 5-7 days
Rush projects can be completed in 1-2 weeks for an additional fee.
What does a Phase 1 ESA cost?
▼Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment costs typically range from $2,000 to $5,000 for standard commercial properties.
Cost Factors:
- Property size: Larger properties cost more
- Location: Urban vs. rural, regional market rates
- Property history: Complex industrial sites may cost $3,000-$7,000+
- Timeline: Rush jobs cost 25-50% more
- Consultant reputation: Experienced firms may charge premium rates
Investment vs. Risk: While $2,000-$5,000 may seem significant, it protects against environmental liabilities that could cost hundreds of thousands or millions in cleanup expenses.
When is a Phase 1 ESA required?
▼Phase 1 ESAs are required or strongly recommended in several key situations:
Required Situations:
- Commercial real estate transactions: Most buyers and lenders require them
- Commercial property loans: Lenders need environmental risk assessment
- Refinancing: Especially when changing lenders or increasing loan amounts
- Environmental insurance: Insurance companies may require assessments
High-Risk Property Types:
- Gas stations and automotive facilities
- Dry cleaners and manufacturing facilities
- Properties near known contaminated sites
- Former industrial or chemical storage sites
Legal Protection:
Essential for CERCLA liability protection, providing "innocent purchaser" and "bona fide prospective purchaser" defenses against cleanup liability.
What happens if contamination is found?
▼When a Phase 1 ESA identifies Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs), the next step is typically a Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment.
Phase 2 Assessment Includes:
- Soil sampling: Drilling and laboratory analysis
- Groundwater testing: Monitoring well installation
- Contamination mapping: Determining extent and severity
Phase 2 Costs:
- Limited sampling: $5,000-$15,000
- Comprehensive investigation: $50,000+
Your Options if Contamination is Confirmed:
- Negotiate price reduction to account for cleanup costs
- Require seller remediation before closing
- Obtain environmental insurance to cover potential liabilities
- Walk away from the transaction if risks are too high
Note: Not all RECs require Phase 2 investigation - sometimes additional research or risk assessments provide sufficient information.
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