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Environmental site assessments (ESA) are used by a wide variety of professionals to gain a degree of understanding of the
potential liabilities and risks associated with a piece of property or a specific business enterprise. The site assessments
can be used for the purposes of environmental due diligence, liability disclosures, site characterizations and pre-remediation
strategy development.
Our clients have demonstrated a need for high quality work with a rapid turn-around-time which we consistently provide.
In conducting site assessments, we are dedicated to providing services quickly and efficiently. Our standard turn-around-time
is two weeks for a routine Phase I ESA. Quicker turn-around-times are often possible at the request of the client in less
than twenty-four hours.
High quality assessments are required to maximize the client's knowledge about a particular property. Our goal is to
assist clients to use this knowledge to facilitate deal-making, not deal breaking.
Phase I ESA
ASTM Standard Phase I: ASTM method E1527 is the industry standard for Phase I ESAs. This method includes review of historical
records, regulatory agency databases, interviews, and a site reconnaissance to determine the potential for liability under
the Comprehensive Emergency Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), or for the presence of petroleum contamination
on the property. The report consists of a full documentation of the study including findings, photographs, copies of records
searched, conclusions, and recommendations. The main goal of the ASTM method is to provide property buyers with the ability
to establish the innocent land owner defense allowed by CERCLA. It is considered the minimum required environmental due diligence
for this purpose.
Phase I Ultra: Frequently, the ultimate goal of a Phase I ESA is to identify any potential environmental risk associated
with that particular site. Because there are a number of potentially significant areas of environmental liability not adequately
addressed in the ASTM standard Phase I, PDI has developed our "Phase I Ultra" to provide our clients with additional
information regarding environmental threats and to better evaluate associated risks. With the Phase I Ultra you get a standard
ASTM Phase I, plus PDI will review a number of other additional environmental issues beyond the scope of a standard Phase
I.
Phase II ESA
When the potential for an environmental liability is discovered during a Phase I ESA, a Phase II ESA is often recommended
to further define the potential size, scope and impact of the potential liability. Each Phase II is custom designed in conjunction
with the client, to address the specific questions raised by the Phase I. The primary purpose of the Phase II is to resolve
any questions or concerns identified during the Phase I. This assists the client in evaluating appropriate conditions fro
the real estate contract prior to going to settlement. Possible Phase II activities include:
-Full review of regulatory agency files
-Subsurface sampling of soil, soil gas, or ground water
-Indoor air quality testing
-Lead and asbestos testing
-PCB testing
-In-depth historical analysis
-Radon Testing
-Other issues reviewed as required or requested.
Phase III - Remedial Design
Clean up of contaminated sites must be managed in a manner that gives consideration to cost, client goals, efficiency and
value. Property Diagnostics, Inc., works with a number of independent remedial design engineers. The best expert for each
situation is identified and included as a member of the design team. A plan is developed which will meet the client's goals.
These goals may include total elimination of contamination, the lowest cost solution, the fastest remedial solution, or perhaps
use of specific technology, such as bio-venting.
Environmental Management Services
Small businesses frequently do not possess the resources necessary to review all EPA and OSHA regulations and ensure that
they are in compliance. PDI provides assistance with a wide range of environmental compliance and permit issues.
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