Pasadena, California Phase I Environmental Site Assessments

A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is a crucial step in evaluating the environmental condition of a property, typically conducted prior to a real estate transaction or property development. In Pasadena, California, as in most places in the United States, Phase I ESAs are conducted in accordance with federal regulations, specifically ASTM E1527-13 standards, and may also consider state and local regulations.

Here are some key points to consider when conducting a Phase I ESA in Pasadena, California:

• Environmental Consultants: Hiring a qualified environmental consultant is essential. These professionals are typically experienced in conducting Phase I ESAs and understanding the specific regulations and environmental concerns in Pasadena.
• Scope of Assessment: The Phase I ESA process involves a thorough review of historical records, site inspections, and interviews with current and past property owners and occupants. The goal is to identify potential sources of contamination and environmental hazards.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that the assessment is conducted in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including those set by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) and the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD).
• Historical Research: Investigate the property’s historical usage and adjacent properties to identify any potential sources of contamination, such as past industrial activities, hazardous waste disposal, or leaking underground storage tanks.
• Site Inspection: A thorough on-site inspection is conducted to identify any visible signs of environmental issues, such as chemical storage, underground tanks, or contamination in soil or groundwater.
• Interviews: Conduct interviews with current and past property owners, occupants, and neighbors to gather information about potential environmental issues and contamination sources.
• Report: After completing the Phase I ESA, the consultant will provide a detailed report summarizing their findings, including any recognized environmental conditions (RECs) and recommendations for further action, if necessary.
• Risk Assessment: If potential environmental concerns are identified, a risk assessment may be conducted to determine the level of risk associated with the property and whether further investigation or remediation is required.
• Property Transactions: Phase I ESAs are often conducted as part of due diligence for property transactions. Buyers and lenders use the information to make informed decisions about the property’s environmental risk.
• Local Considerations: Keep in mind that Pasadena, like many areas in California, has specific environmental concerns, such as air quality, water quality, and seismic activity. These factors may be relevant to the Phase I ESA.

If you are considering buying or selling commercial or industrial real estate in Pasadena, California, it is important to have a Phase I ESA conducted by a qualified environmental consultant. Partner ESI can help you navigate the commercial or industrial real estate environmental and engineering due diligence industry.