Phase 1
A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is the first step in evaluating environmental conditions and potential liabilities associated with a property. RCC conducts comprehensive Phase I ESAs in accordance with ASTM and EPA All Appropriate Inquiry (AAI) standards to support real estate transactions, refinancing, redevelopment, and regulatory due diligence.
Our Phase I work includes an in-depth review of historical records, regulatory databases, fire insurance maps, historic aerials, and municipal records to understand past uses of the site. This is combined with on-site reconnaissance where our environmental professionals examine buildings, operations, storage areas, utilities, drainage, and surrounding land use to identify recognized environmental conditions (RECs) that may require further investigation.
We frequently perform Phase I ESAs for a wide range of project types, including:
Commercial real estate acquisitions
Retail storefront or gas station transfers
Industrial facility transfers
Former landfills and waste handling sites
Properties with historic manufacturing or chemical usage
Brownfield redevelopment projects
Agricultural and rural land conversion
Solar field and renewable energy development sites
Where potential concerns are identified, RCC provides clear interpretation, recommendations for further action (such as Phase II subsurface testing), and realistic guidance for regulators, lenders, or project buyers/sellers.