Additional Services
Phase II Environmental Site Assessment
A Phase II Environmental Site Assessment (or Phase II Investigation) is conducted on a site that has a suspected or known Recognized Environmental Condition (REC) such as a spill, a leak, or a facility that handles hazardous materials and does not have proper records. The Phase II Investigation is generally considered the second step in the process of environmental due diligence. Please note that the recommendations of the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment dictate if a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment is necessary.
If a REC is identified by the conclusions of a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, by a Regulatory Agency Inspection, or by general knowledge, a more detailed investigation involving chemical analysis for hazardous substances and/or petroleum hydrocarbons is needed. The goal of the Phase II Investigation (which may include several field investigations and multiple reports) is to define the type, concentration, and size of the contamination, as well as the affected media.
Additional research may be necessary, such as nearby receptors (wells), to help define the type and speed of cleanup necessary (Phase III) at the site. A Phase II typically includes: drilling at the site, collecting soil (and possibly water) samples from the surface and at depth, and analyzing the samples for a range of chemicals which may be present at the site. These analytical results are typically compared to State Cleanup Levels. Ground penetrating radar (GPR) may also be utilized if deemed necessary.
Our work is conducted by staff geologists with many years of experience in the field.
Environmental Desktop Review
The purpose of an Environmental Desktop Review is to identify the need for a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) by feasible Recognized Environmental Conditions (REC) in connection with the site. The historical use of the site is evaluated by the review of national, state, and local databases, as well as through aerial photographs, topographic maps, Sanborn (fire insurance) maps, local city directories, and a questionnaire completed by the client. However, no visual site inspection is performed, and no samples are collected or analyzed as part of an Environmental Desktop Review.
Once the Environmental Desktop Review process is complete, a risk assessment of the site is conducted and a professional opinion is provided.
Please note that an Environmental Desktop Review typically does not satisfy lender requirements for an Environmental Site Assessment. However, we do offer a discount on our Phase I ESAs to clients who choose to go forward with an Environmental Desktop Review, and find that a Phase I ESA is needed.
Property Condition Assessments (PCAs)
Property Condition Assessments (PCAs) are due diligence projects associated with commercial real estate, and they are important for clients seeking to know the condition of a property or real estate they may be purchasing, leasing, financing, or simply maintaining. PCAs are done as part of a property transfer and are typically done along with a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment.
As part of a PCA, a visual inspection of the site will be performed to identify the existing conditions of the following building components:
- Structure
- Heating System
- Plumbing System
- Ventilation System
- Insulation
- Fire Protection Systems
- Electrical Systems
- Air-conditioning System
- Roofing System
- Exterior Components
- Interior Components
- Elevators
- ADA Tier 1 survey
Our assessment meets or exceeds the ASTM Standard E2018-15 for PCAs. The report provides recommendations, preliminary cost estimates, and priorities for remedying major deficiencies, updating aging major components, and undertaking further detailed investigations. The recommendations are for remedial actions that are beyond the normal maintenance of the building. Costs are provided for recommendations expected to exceed $3,000. The costs provided are only intended to provide an order of magnitude and contractors should be contacted for exact quotes.
Our inspection is limited to components which are readily visible and not obstructed by storage, finishes, vegetation, etc. No comment will be offered on building code and building bylaw compliance. The scope of the assessment is to carry out a prior to purchase PCA which is focused primarily on major facility systems and the major issues that could affect the successful financing of the property.