Call Us: (800) 419-4923
 Call Us: +44 (0)20 3865 7701
 Call Us: (787) 822-8377
 Call Us: (437) 855-4925
Partner Engineering and Science, Inc.
Partner Engineering and Science, Inc.
You are here: Home » Locations » Oklahoma City, Oklahoma » Oklahoma City Oklahoma Phase I Environmental Site Assessments

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Phase I Environmental Site Assessments

A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, follows a standardized process established by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard E1527-13. This assessment is conducted to evaluate the environmental condition of a property, particularly in the context of real estate transactions or development projects. The purpose is to identify potential environmental liabilities and provide information for informed decision-making.

A Phase I ESA aims to identify any recognized environmental conditions (RECs) on or near the property. RECs are defined as the presence or likely presence of any hazardous substances or petroleum products on a property that could impact human health or the environment.

If any RECs are identified during the Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Phase I ESA, the environmental professional will recommend further investigation (Phase II ESA) to determine the nature and extent of the contamination. If no RECs are identified, the environmental professional will conclude that the property is unlikely to be contaminated.

Phase I ESAs are required for many commercial real estate transactions, including those involving loans from federally regulated lenders. They can also be a valuable tool for property owners who are considering developing or redeveloping a property.

It’s important to note that regulations and requirements can change, and local conditions may influence the specific aspects of a Phase I ESA in Oklahoma City. It’s essential to work with experienced environmental consultants knowledgeable about local environmental regulations and practices to ensure the assessment is conducted properly and thoroughly.

State & Local Resources

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

Solutions

Here are the key steps and considerations for a Phase I ESA in Oklahoma City:
  • Site Inspection: Environmental consultants visit the property to visually inspect it. This includes an assessment of the site and its surroundings to look for any potential environmental issues, such as chemical spills, storage tanks, or other indications of contamination.
  • Historical Research: Consultants gather historical information about the property, including its past uses, adjacent properties, and any potential sources of contamination. In Oklahoma City, historical records may include city directories, aerial photographs, and fire insurance maps.
  • Interviews: The consultants may interview current and past property owners, occupants, or neighbors to obtain information about the site's history and any known or suspected environmental concerns.
  • Regulatory Database Review: Consultants review federal, state, and local environmental databases to identify any reported contamination, permits, or violations associated with the property.
  • ASTM Compliance: The Phase I ESA should comply with ASTM Standard E1527-13 to ensure that it meets recognized industry standards.
  • Geological and Hydrological Assessment: The site's geology and hydrology are assessed to understand how they might influence the potential for environmental contamination. This is particularly relevant in areas with a history of groundwater or soil contamination.
  • Report Preparation: Based on the information gathered, an ESA report is prepared. This report will include a description of the property, findings from the site inspection, historical research, interviews, and database reviews. It will also contain conclusions regarding the likelihood of environmental concerns.
  • Recommendations: If any recognized environmental conditions (RECs) are identified, the report may include recommendations for further investigation, such as a Phase II ESA. A REC is a potential source of contamination that requires further evaluation.
  • Client Decision: Based on the findings and recommendations in the report, the client can decide how to proceed with the property transaction or development project. If no RECs are identified, the client may proceed with more confidence. If RECs are found, further investigation may be required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Phase I ESAs can be conducted for properties in rural areas, not just within city limits, to assess environmental conditions.
While federal regulations primarily govern Phase I ESAs, state and local regulations can play a role, so it's important to consider them in the assessment.
A Phase I ESA is a non-intrusive assessment that focuses on identifying potential environmental hazards on a property. A Phase II ESA is an intrusive assessment that involves sampling and testing to determine whether environmental contamination is present.
The cost of a Phase I ESA is typically borne by the buyer of a property. However, the buyer and seller may negotiate who will pay for the ESA.
A Phase I ESA is a valuable tool to help identify potential environmental issues, but it doesn't provide absolute protection. It may, however, be used to establish the "innocent landowner defense" under federal law if certain conditions are met.

Digging Deeper

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

  • Identify any potential environmental hazards before they become expensive problems
  • Protect yourself from liability for environmental contamination
  • Improve your chances of obtaining a loan from a federally regulated lender
  • Increase the value of your property

If you are considering purchasing or developing a property in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, it is important to have a Phase I ESA conducted by a qualified environmental professional, like the experts at Partner ESI.

Let us be your Partner

Learn how we can support your next project or share insights via our newsletter.
crossmenuchevron-uparrow-up linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram