An Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is a critical part of the due diligence process for commercial and industrial properties.  Our transaction environmental services provide lenders and owners, operators, and purchasers of commercial or industrial property information they need to evaluate potential liability due to contamination.  Let us help you conduct this critical investigation.

Do I need a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment?

Our ESAs are conducted by an Environmental Professional who is a highly qualified expert in environmental due diligence. We have provided environmental assessments for all types of commercial properties including multi-tenant retail, multi-family residential, and industrial properties. We are a national firm and provide Environmental Assessments in all 50 states.

5-Fold offers a number of services for environmental risk management related to property transactions.  Contact us and let us help you decide which product is best for your needs.

Phase I Environmental Site Assessment:

Our Phase I assessments conform to the EPA’s All Appropriate Inquiries requirement to provide protection from CERCLA liability.  A Phase I ESA will be conducted in accordance with ASTM Practice E1527 – 13 to include:
►Review of environmental and historical records to identify Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs) in connection with the property.
►Site Reconnaissance to identify RECs in connection with the property.
►Interviews with property owners and occupants as well as state and/or local government officials.
►Submittal of a detailed written report of the findings and conclusions of the assessment.

Phase II Environmental Site Assessment:

If RECs are identified as part of the Phase I ESA, a Phase II assessment may be recommended.  A Phase II assessment may include intrusive site investigations such as soil sampling, monitoring well installation, groundwater sampling, or soil vapor sampling.  We will conduct the Phase II assessment in accordance with ASTM Practice E1903 – 11.

Transaction Screen Assessment:

A Transaction Screen Assessment (TSA) is less comprehensive than a Phase I ESA and is used to provide an evaluation of Potential Environmental Conditions associated with a property.  A TSA does not meet the requirements of the AAI rule and can’t be used for CERCLA Landowner Liability Protection.  However, for low-risk sites, a TSA may be an appropriate, lower cost tool for evaluating potential environmental issues, and some lenders accept TSAs for certain properties.  Our TSAs are conducted in accordance with ASTM Practice E1528 – 14 and include:

►Review of environmental databases and limited review of historical records

►Site Visit to evaluate environmental conditions of the property

►Submittal of an environmental questionnaire to owner or occupant

►Completion of an environmental questionnaire by 5-Fold

►Submittal of a letter report with findings and conclusions of the assessment

Desktop Environmental Review:

5-Fold’s Desktop Review assessment is provided for low-risk sites or portfolios of properties where there is a higher risk tolerance or alternate means of addressing liability are available.  The Desktop Review assessment includes the following:

►Review of select environmental databases and review of readily available historical records

►Submittal of environmental questionnaire to owner or occupant

►Submittal of a letter report with findings and conclusions of the assessment

A Desktop Environmental Review does not meet the requirements of the AAI rule and can’t be used for CERCLA Landowner Liability Protection.  However, the review may identify sites that warrant a more detailed evaluation via a Phase I ESA or Phase II ESA.

Custom Transaction Products:

We can tailor our site evaluation, research and deliverables for your needs.   We also can provide services that are not addressed by environmental assessment standards, such as radon, mold, asbestos and lead-based paint testing.  Please contact us to help you determine what services may be appropriate.