What type of assessment does a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment perform?

A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment primarily performs a preliminary environmental review. This process is conducted to identify potential environmental contamination or liabilities associated with a property before any transaction occurs. It involves researching the history of the property, including previous uses, and examining existing environmental records, data, and any visible evidence of potential contamination.

The goal of this assessment is to determine if there are any recognized environmental conditions that could pose a risk, which is essential for buyers, lenders, and other stakeholders to make informed decisions regarding the property. This thorough review does not include direct physical testing but focuses on prior assessments and existing conditions that could lead to environmental issues.

Other assessments, such as financial assessments, physical assessments of building conditions, or aesthetic evaluations, are not the focus of a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment. These types of evaluations serve different purposes and do not address environmental risks directly related to the land and its historical usage.