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You are here: Home » Locations » New Orleans, Louisiana » New Orleans Louisiana Phase I Environmental Site Assessments

New Orleans, Louisiana Phase I Environmental Site Assessments

A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) in New Orleans, Louisiana is a process of evaluating a property’s environmental history and current conditions to identify any potential environmental hazards. Phase I ESAs are typically performed during the due diligence phase of a real estate transaction, but they can also be conducted for other purposes, such as refinancing a property or obtaining a permit for development.

In New Orleans, Louisiana, Phase I ESAs are typically conducted in accordance with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard E 1527-21.

Here are some of the reasons why you might need a Phase I ESA in New Orleans, Louisiana:

  • You are buying or selling a commercial or industrial property.
  • You are refinancing a commercial or industrial property.
  • You are developing a commercial or industrial property.
  • You are seeking a permit from the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) for a commercial or industrial property.
  • You have concerns about the environmental condition of a commercial or industrial property.

If you are considering having a Phase I ESA conducted on a property in New Orleans, Louisiana, it is important to hire a qualified environmental consultant. The environmental consultant should have experience conducting Phase I ESAs in New Orleans and be familiar with the LDEQ’s environmental regulations.

Solutions

The ASTM standard outlines a comprehensive process for conducting Phase I ESAs, including:
  • Reviewing historical records to identify past uses of the property and surrounding area
  • Conducting a site visit to observe the current conditions of the property and surrounding area
  • Interviewing key personnel to learn about the property's current and past uses
  • Reviewing government records to identify any known environmental hazards associated with the property

Frequently Asked Questions

The ASTM E1527-13 standard recommends a look-back period of at least 50 years. The goal is to identify any potential environmental concerns dating back to the early 1900s.
Flooding can transport contaminants and contribute to soil and groundwater contamination. A Phase I ESA should consider the property's susceptibility to flooding and its potential impact on environmental risks.
While a Phase I ESA primarily focuses on historical land uses and contamination, it may identify hurricane-related damage or flooding as part of its site inspection.
In addition to federal guidelines, it's important to consider state and local regulations. Louisiana has its own environmental regulations and standards that may impact Phase I ESAs.
Some of the common environmental concerns in New Orleans include flooding, soil contamination, and air pollution.
You can obtain environmental records for a property in New Orleans by contacting the LDEQ or the City of New Orleans Department of Environmental Management (DEM).

Digging Deeper

Here are some tips for choosing a qualified environmental consultant in New Orleans, Louisiana:

  • Ask for recommendations from other real estate professionals or business owners in the area.
  • Interview the environmental consultant to learn about their experience and qualifications.
  • Make sure the environmental consultant is licensed and insured.
  • Get a written proposal from the environmental consultant that outlines the scope of work and fees.

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