Environmental Site Assessment
Every property has a past. An ESA Phase I helps you understand yours.
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What Is a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA)?
A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is a critical first step in identifying potential environmental risks before a purchase, development, or refinancing transaction moves forward.
A Phase I ESA is a research-based environmental investigation used to identify potential or existing environmental conditions on a property. No soil or groundwater samples are collected; instead, our project professionals conduct in-depth document reviews, interviews, and site reconnaissance to determine if possible Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs) exist on the subject site.
PURPOSE: To determine whether current or historical property uses may have impacted soil or groundwater and if these impacts pose a risk to human health, the environment, or property value.
At TBK Environmental, we complete Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments that meet ASTM E1527-2005/2013 standards and all “All Appropriate Inquiry” (AAI) requirements under CERCLA.
Whether you’re a lender, developer, or property owner, our assessments protect your investment, ensure compliance, and support confident decision-making.
When and Why an ESA Phase 1 Is Needed
TBK Environmental completes comprehensive Phase I & Phase II Environmental Site Assessment, for real estate transactions, property development, bank financing, refinancing, and foreclosures, as well as other in-house proactive audit programs.
A Phase I ESA is typically required:
- Before purchasing or refinancing commercial property
- During loan origination or foreclosure by lenders
- Prior to site development or redevelopment
- When an ownership change triggers environmental due diligence
Benefits:
- Identifies liabilities before they become costly problems
- Provides legal protection under CERCLA (“Innocent Landowner Defense”)
- Satisfies lender and HUD/Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac requirements
- Demonstrates environmental compliance and responsibility
Our Phase 1 ESA PRocess
All TBK Environmental ESA Phase 1 assessments are completed to ASTM 1527-2005/2013 standard, satisfying all appropriate inquiries.
Our research department accesses an extensive archive of historical information as well as conducting:
- On-Site reconnaissance for a standard Phase I (when needed) & Phase 2 ESA with in-depth interviews of knowledgeable site contacts.
- Interviews with appropriate Government and Private Sector sources of information.
- Review of standard environmental record sources from local, state, and federal agencies within ASTM approximate minimum search distances.
To ensure your ESA is completed accurately, thoroughly, and on time.
What’s Included in a TBK Environmental Phase 1 ESA?
Executive Summary
Your executive summary includes a clear Scope of Work and Provision of Supporting Documentation as well as Sources Checked.
Visual Inspection
A visual inspection for the purpose of identifying suspect Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs) is always included in an Environmental Site Assessment from TBK.
RECs
A clear summary of Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs) will identify releases to the environment (or potential releases to the environment) of hazardous substances or petroleum products on/in/near the vicinity of the property.
Phase II Proposal
If conditions warrant additional investigation, a written Phase II Environmental Site Assessment proposal, describing means for identifying and characterizing environmental contamination revealed during a Phase I ESA, will be prepared upon request.
Working with TBK Environmental on an
ESA Phase 1 Site Assessment
All TBK Environmental ESAs are performed by qualified Environmental Professionals (EPs) in accordance with ASTM standards.
We use a systematic process to ensure accuracy and timely report delivery:
- Historical Research – Review aerial photographs, topographic maps, fire insurance maps, city directories, and deeds to document past uses.
- Regulatory Records Search – Analyze federal, state, and local databases within ASTM minimum search distances.
- Site Reconnaissance – Perform on-site inspection of property and adjoining areas to identify potential environmental concerns, when necessary.
- Interviews – Gather information from owners, operators, and appropriate government officials.
- Report Preparation – Summarize Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs), findings, and recommendations in a comprehensive written report.
When working with TBK for your Environmental Site Assessment, you can expect:
- Regular updates for all stakeholders during the process
- Strict client confidentiality
- Use of PARCEL for multiple site portfolios
- HUD, Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac compliance
- Incorporation of specific lender requirements for issuance or reliance language for the purposes of making loan decisions.
Environmental Site Assessment ESA Phase 1 Frequently Asked Questions
The information in this FAQ is provided as a general overview. Regulations and requirements for hazardous waste vary by state and industry.
For the most accurate guidance and solutions tailored to your business, please consult directly with a TBK Environmental expert.
Q: What is a Phase 1 ESA?
A non-invasive investigation that reviews historical and current site information to identify Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs).
Q: Why is a Phase 1 ESA needed?
To protect buyers and lenders from environmental liability and satisfy due diligence requirements under CERCLA.
Q: Is a Phase I ESA required for commercial property loans in Texas?
Yes. Most Texas lenders and financial institutions require a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) to comply with federal due diligence and protect against environmental liability.
Q: Who performs a Phase I ESA?
A qualified Environmental Professional (EP) meeting ASTM/AAI standards.
Q: When should a Phase I ESA be done?
During due diligence, before property closing or contract signing.
Q: How long does Phase I ESA take?
Typically 1 to 2 weeks, depending on property size and complexity.
Q: What does a Phase I ESA include?
Site inspection, historical records review, regulatory database search, interviews, and a written report.
Q: What does a Phase I ESA NOT include?
No soil/groundwater sampling, asbestos/mold/lead testing, or invasive work (those require ESA Phase II).
Q: How much does a Phase I ESA cost?
Usually $2,000–$5,000 for standard commercial properties.
Q: What if issues are found during a Phase I ESA?
A Phase II ESA may be recommended to sample soil, water, or building materials to confirm contamination if the need arises based on Phase I findings.
Q: Does it protect me from liability?
Yes, if done correctly, following ASTM E1527 standards and completed before property acquisition.
Q: How long is the report valid?
An ESA Phase I is valid for 180 days for liability protection. It must be updated after that.
Q: Who gets the report?
Only the client who ordered it; it is not public unless they choose to share it.
Q: Does a Phase I ESA protect me from liability?
Yes, when completed correctly to ASTM standards before acquisition, a Phase I ESA helps you qualify for CERCLA protections.
Q: Who provides Phase I ESA in Texas?
TBK Environmental provides comprehensive Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESA) throughout Dallas, Fort Worth, the DFW Metroplex, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and across Texas.
Our Environmental Professionals (EPs) perform fully compliant ASTM E1527 Phase I ESAs for commercial real estate transactions, refinancing, and property development.
We also support national clients requiring multi-site due diligence portfolios with consistent quality, documentation, and lender-ready reporting.
Q: Does TBK Environmental handle both Phase I and Phase II ESAs in Texas?
Yes. TBK provides complete Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments statewide — from research and inspection through sampling, testing, and remediation coordination.
Q: How can I request a Phase I ESA in the DFW area?
Contact TBK Environmental online or by phone to schedule your Phase I ESA. We provide quick turnaround, transparent pricing, and lender-ready reports throughout North Texas and statewide.
If you’re looking for a Phase I ESA provider in Dallas or Fort Worth, TBK Environmental offers fast, compliant environmental due diligence reporting.
TBK Environmental provides Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) for commercial and industrial properties across Dallas–Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and statewide Texas.
All assessments meet ASTM E1527 and All Appropriate Inquiry (AAI) standards, ensuring full compliance for lenders, developers, and property owners.
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