Phase I Environmental Site Assessment

ARM Environmental Services performs Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) for a variety of commercial and government clients, including real estate developers, investors and financial institutions. These ESAs allow our clients to assess the risk of environmental contamination before they make a financial commitment to a property. We also provide solutions for the environmental concerns identified by a Phase I ESA process, which can often be resolved quickly. This process allows our clients to complete real estate transactions they may otherwise have to walk away from.

Overview

A Phase I ESA is a report that identifies potential or existing environmental contamination on a property. It typically addresses both the land and improvements, as well as off-site properties. Some contaminated sites are brownfields sites, which were previously used for industrial purposes. Some sites may be added to the National Priorities List in severe cases, where they will be subject to cleanup by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Superfund program.

Standards

A Phase I ESA is generally the first step in the due-diligence process for environmental assessment. The EPA has established the standards for performing this ESA, which is largely based on the ASTM Standard E1527-13. A Phase I ESA is typically a non-invasive inspection of the property with the goal of identifying evidence of potential contaminants. The Phase I consists primarily of a site inspection, interviews with persons familiar with the property, a review of regulatory records, and a historical review of the property and surrounding properties. In the event the Phase I ESA finds a significant potential for the property to be contaminated, a Phase II ESA will be performed for a more detailed examination that includes chemical analysis of soil, groundwater, and/or soil vapor. The laboratory analysis tests for various hazardous substances, especially petroleum hydrocarbons.

Qualifications

ARM is owned and managed by Richard Pittenger, Andrew Wilson, P.G., Michael Faris, P.G., and Sid Havird, who have a combined total of more than 100 years consulting experience in environmental services. Our staff members include biologists, geologists, engineers, environmental scientists, asbestos supervisors, and field technicians. ARM has various certifications related to Phase I ESAs, including a federal supply service contractor for the General Services Administration (GSA). We are also a certified Class I and Class II UST Site Rehabilitation Contractor in addition to being an Approved Environmental Consultant as a state engineer for South Carolina.

Summary

ARM Environmental Services, Inc. has been performing environmental services such as Phase I ESAs since 1991. Our clients include private companies and public agencies that plan and develop real estate in the Southeastern United States. Our headquarters are located in Columbia, South Carolina, and we have a branch office in Charlotte, North Carolina. Contact us today to find out how we can help you with your environmental needs.