A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) in San Francisco, California is a process of evaluating a property for the potential presence of hazardous materials or environmental contamination. It is typically performed in conjunction with a real estate transaction, but it may also be required for other reasons, such as a change in land use or a regulatory compliance audit.
A Phase I ESA is conducted in accordance with the standards established by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) in its Standard E1527-21.
The process typically includes the following steps:
Historical records review: The environmental consultant will review historical records, such as aerial photographs, city directories, and environmental databases, to identify any past or present uses of the property that could have resulted in contamination.
Site visit: The consultant will conduct a site visit to inspect the property for any potential evidence of contamination, such as spills, leaks, or unusual odors.
Interviews: The consultant will interview the property owner, current and former tenants, and other knowledgeable individuals to gather information about the property’s history and current uses.
Once the environmental consultant has completed the Phase I ESA, they will prepare a report that summarizes their findings and conclusions. The report will identify any Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs) that were found on the property. RECs are defined as the presence or likely presence of any hazardous substances or petroleum products that could impact human health or the environment.
If RECs are identified, the environmental consultant may recommend that additional testing be conducted to determine the nature and extent of the contamination. This is known as a Phase II ESA.
Here are some of the specific environmental concerns that may be considered during a Phase I ESA in San Francisco, California:
Soil and groundwater contamination: San Francisco has a long history of industrial activity, which has resulted in soil and groundwater contamination at many sites. The environmental consultant will assess the risk of contamination based on the property’s history and location.
Lead-based paint and asbestos: Lead-based paint and asbestos are common hazards in older buildings. The environmental consultant will inspect the property for these hazards and recommend mitigation measures if necessary.
Underground storage tanks (USTs): USTs were used to store gasoline and other fuels at many commercial and industrial properties. The environmental consultant will assess the risk of UST leaks and recommend testing if necessary.
Vapor intrusion: Vapor intrusion is a process by which volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in soil and groundwater can migrate into buildings. The environmental consultant will assess the risk of vapor intrusion based on the property’s location and the presence of VOCs in the soil and groundwater.
If you are planning to purchase or develop a property in San Francisco, California, it is important to have a Phase I ESA conducted by a qualified environmental professional consultant. A Phase I ESA can help you to identify and mitigate any potential environmental risks associated with the property.
