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Honolulu, Hawaii Phase I Environmental Site Assessments

A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) in Honolulu, Hawaii, is a standard procedure used to evaluate the environmental condition of a property or site before any real estate transactions or development activities take place. This assessment is typically conducted to identify potential environmental liabilities and assess the historical and current land use practices that may have caused contamination.

It’s important to work with experienced environmental professionals, like the expert team you’ll find at Partner Engineering and Science, Inc., and follow local and national standards for Phase I ESAs to ensure a thorough assessment that considers the specific environmental concerns and regulations in Honolulu, Hawaii. Additionally, the specific requirements and regulations may change over time, so it’s essential to stay up-to-date with the latest guidelines and local regulations.

State & Local Resources

Additional Honolulu, Hawaii state and local information about PCAs can be obtained from the following resources:

City and County of Honolulu Department of Environmental Services: https://www.honolulu.gov/env
Environmental Impact Statements: https://www.honolulu.gov/dpp/home/environmental-impact-statement.html
Permits and Approvals: https://www.honolulu.gov/dpp/permitting/building-permits.html
Waste Management: https://eha-cloud.doh.hawaii.gov/epermit/Home/53fc115a-2cab-4a00-87bd-6a6cbac5f35a
Honolulu Board of Water Supply: https://www.boardofwatersupply.com/
Water Quality Standards: https://www.boardofwatersupply.com/water-quality/water-quality-report
Wellhead Protection Program: https://www.civilbeat.org/2022/08/cancer-causing-fuel-components-detected-in-a-bws-monitoring-well-in-honolulu/
Hawaii Department of Health Environmental Health Division: https://health.hawaii.gov/about/links-to-doh-program-information/administration-directory/environmental-health-administration/
Hazardous Materials & Waste Management Branch: https://eha-cloud.doh.hawaii.gov/epermit/Home/15927778-2a50-4e30-8d36-42cac8c573f5
Underground Storage Tank Program: https://health.hawaii.gov/ust/
Water Quality Branch: https://eha-cloud.doh.hawaii.gov/cwb/#!/landing
Hawaii Department of Health Safe Drinking Water Branch: https://health.hawaii.gov/sdwb/
Hawaii State Department of Land and Natural Resources: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/
Division of Aquatic Resources: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dar/
Division of Forestry and Wildlife: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dobor/
Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/occl/
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 9 – Pacific Southwest: https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/epa-region-9-pacific-southwest
City and County of Honolulu Department of Environmental Services: https://www.honolulu.gov/env
Environmental Impact Statements: https://www.honolulu.gov/dpp/home/environmental-impact-statement.html
Permits and Approvals: https://www.honolulu.gov/dpp/permitting/building-permits.html
Waste Management: https://eha-cloud.doh.hawaii.gov/epermit/Home/53fc115a-2cab-4a00-87bd-6a6cbac5f35a

Solutions

Phase I ESAs are conducted in accordance with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard E1527-21. This standard provides a comprehensive list of tasks that must be completed during a Phase I ESA, including:

Records review: This involves reviewing historical records, such as aerial photographs, topographic maps, and government databases, to identify potential environmental risks associated with the property and surrounding area.
Site inspection: This involves a visual inspection of the property to identify any potential environmental concerns, such as hazardous materials storage, underground tanks, or evidence of spills or releases.
Interviews: This involves interviewing people who are knowledgeable about the property's history and current uses, such as the property owner, occupants, and neighbors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a Phase I ESA report valid in Hawaii?

The report is typically considered valid for one year, after which it may need to be updated or renewed.

Are there any financial incentives or assistance for property owners dealing with environmental issues in Hawaii?

Some financial assistance and programs may be available for property owners who need to address environmental concerns, but these programs can change over time.

Who is responsible for paying for the cost of further assessment or remediation?

The responsibility for paying for the cost of further assessment or remediation is typically negotiated between the buyer and seller of the property. However, in some cases, the government may be responsible for remediation costs if the property is contaminated with hazardous substances from a government-owned or operated facility.

Digging Deeper

Here are some key considerations and steps involved in a Phase I ESA in Honolulu, Hawaii:

Regulatory Compliance: The Phase I ESA must be conducted in compliance with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) E1527-13 standard. This standard outlines the scope and procedures for a Phase I ESA.
Local Expertise: Working with a local environmental consulting firm with knowledge of the specific environmental concerns in Honolulu, such as volcanic activity, tropical weather, and unique ecosystems, is crucial.
Site Visit: The assessment begins with a thorough site visit to identify any potential environmental concerns. This includes the inspection of the property and any nearby areas.
Historical Research: A review of historical records, aerial photographs, and available documents to identify past land uses and any potential sources of contamination. In Honolulu, this may include research on agricultural practices, military activities, and other historical land uses.
Interviews: Interviews with current and past property owners, occupants, and nearby property owners to gather information about the site’s history and any known environmental issues.
Regulatory Database Review: A review of federal, state, and local environmental databases to identify any potential regulatory violations or recognized environmental concerns related to the property.
Environmental Liabilities: Assessing potential environmental liabilities and identifying Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs), which are recognized environmental concerns that may require further investigation.
Report: A comprehensive report is prepared, summarizing the findings and conclusions of the Phase I ESA. If RECs are identified, it may recommend further investigation in the form of a Phase II ESA.
Risk Assessment: The report may also include a risk assessment, which evaluates the potential impact of any identified RECs on the property’s value and intended use.
Disclosure and Decision: The results of the Phase I ESA help the property owner, potential buyer, or lender make informed decisions regarding the property’s purchase, sale, or development.

Get in Touch

Jay Grenfell, LEED AP

National Client Manager

(415) 992-3755

[email protected]

Honolulu, HI 96825, USA

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