By Kathryn Peacock, Principal, Partner Engineering and Science, Inc.
Originally Published in The RMA Journal
Kathryn Peacock’s article, featured in the October/November 2024 issue of The RMA Journal, examines how the Environmental Bankers Association’s (EBA) latest study on contamination discovery rates (CDRs) can help lenders better evaluate environmental risks. These rates offer critical insights into the frequency and cost of contamination across various property types.
The study’s findings provide lenders with a valuable tool to assess environmental risk, make informed decisions about environmental testing, and better manage potential challenges associated with maturing commercial real estate loans. From the costs of Phase I and II ESAs to insights on contamination by property type, the article highlights how lenders can use this data to navigate the complexities of refinancing, extensions, and foreclosures in today’s commercial real estate landscape.
[ Click here ] to read the PDF of the full RMA Journal article.

April 27, 2026
In this article from Propmodo.com, Jerry Ostrander discusses a number of important factors to consider to help prevent environmental contamination concerns from becoming impenetrable roadblocks to development projects. Environmental challenges are a reality in many development projects.

April 23, 2026
An integrated, enterprise-level environmental strategy unifies environmental due diligence, remediation, environmental, health and safety (EHS), and compliance, energy and sustainability, and real estate support under one coordinated framework supported by building sciences expertise.

March 24, 2026
As PFAS continue to reshape the construction risk landscape, lenders that proactively integrate PFAS considerations into underwriting, due diligence, and loan structuring are better positioned to manage uncertainty and protect collateral value.





