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You are here: Home » Locations » Jacksonville, Florida » Jacksonville Florida Phase I Environmental Site Assessments

Jacksonville, Florida Phase I Environmental Site Assessments

A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is a process of evaluating the potential for environmental contamination on a property. Phase I ESAs are often required by lenders as a condition for commercial and industrial real estate loans. They can also be conducted for other purposes, such as property due diligence, risk assessment, and compliance with environmental regulations.

In Jacksonville, Florida, Phase I ESAs are typically conducted in accordance with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard E 1527-21. This standard specifies the scope of work and reporting requirements for Phase I ESAs.

Solutions

Here's an overview of what you should know about Phase I ESAs in Jacksonville, Florida:
  • Purpose of Phase I ESA: The main purpose of a Phase I ESA is to identify potential environmental risks or liabilities associated with a property. It helps buyers, sellers, lenders, and developers make informed decisions about real estate transactions.
  • Federal and State Regulations: Phase I ESAs in Florida are typically conducted in accordance with the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard E1527-13. Florida's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) may also have specific requirements.
  • Environmental Professionals: Phase I ESAs must be conducted by qualified environmental professionals (EPs) who have the necessary expertise and experience to perform such assessments. These professionals follow standardized protocols and regulations.
  • Site History and Records Review: The assessment begins with a review of historical records, including property deeds, regulatory files, aerial photographs, and other documents to identify any potential sources of contamination or environmental concerns.
  • Site Inspection: The EP will conduct a physical inspection of the property, looking for evidence of potential environmental issues such as underground storage tanks, hazardous materials, or other environmental hazards.
  • Interviews and Research: The EP may interview current and past property owners, occupants, and neighboring property owners to gather information about potential environmental issues on or near the site.
  • Report and Recommendations: Following the assessment, the EP will prepare a detailed Phase I ESA report, which includes findings, conclusions, and recommendations. If recognized environmental conditions (RECs) are identified, the report may suggest additional investigation or remediation.
  • Liability Protection: Conducting a Phase I ESA can offer liability protections under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), commonly known as the Superfund law, if the property is found to be contaminated in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jacksonville's environmental concerns can vary but may include issues related to groundwater contamination, soil contamination, flood zones, hurricane risks, and ecological considerations due to the city's proximity to water bodies.
It is not recommended to conduct a Phase I ESA yourself. Phase I ESAs must be conducted by qualified environmental professionals who have the training and experience necessary to identify potential environmental hazards.
Yes, a Phase I ESA may identify historical contamination or potential sources of contamination on a property. If RECs are discovered, further investigation (Phase II ESA) may be required to assess the extent of contamination.
A Phase I ESA is a preliminary assessment of the potential for environmental hazards on a property. A Phase II ESA is a more detailed investigation of a specific environmental hazard that has been identified on a property.

Digging Deeper

Here are some of the benefits of having a Phase I ESA conducted on a property in Jacksonville, Florida:

  • It can help to identify and assess potential environmental risks.
  • It can help to reduce the risk of acquiring a property with environmental contamination.
  • It can help to comply with environmental regulations.
  • It can help to increase the value of a property.

If you are considering buying or selling a property in Jacksonville, Florida, it is important to have a Phase I ESA conducted by a qualified environmental consultant, such as professionals with Partner Engineering and Science, Inc.

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