Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) Services
Environmental Due Diligence for Property Transactions
​​A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is a critical step in evaluating potential environmental liabilities associated with real estate transactions, site development, or property refinancing. Conducted prior to property acquisition or major project financing, Phase I ESAs help clients meet legal due diligence standards and protect against unexpected remediation costs.
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Champion Environmental Consulting provides detailed, ASTM-compliant Phase I ESA services for property owners, developers, lenders, and investors. Our assessments deliver actionable insight into environmental risks that could impact project viability, financial exposure, or regulatory compliance.
What Is Required?
When acquiring or refinancing a commercial or industrial property, a Phase I ESA is typically required by lenders, investors, or internal risk management teams. It is considered the industry standard for environmental due diligence. Phase I Environmental Site Assessments must meet the ASTM E1527-21 Standard and satisfy the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) All Appropriate Inquiry (AAI) requirements. A valid Phase I ESA protects property buyers and lenders by establishing a baseline of site conditions and providing potential liability protections under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). Failure to complete a proper Phase I ESA can expose stakeholders to environmental liability, cleanup costs, and regulatory enforcement actions after acquisition.
What We Do at Champion Environmental
​Certified. Comprehensive. Risk-Focused. Champion Environmental provides full-service Phase I ESA investigations, including: - Historical research of property uses and ownership - Review of environmental databases and regulatory records - Visual site inspections for signs of environmental concerns - Interviews with site owners, operators, and regulatory officials - Detailed documentation of Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs) - Reporting structured to satisfy ASTM and EPA requirements Our team delivers clear, detailed reports that support real estate transactions, financing, and development decisions.
What You Can Expect
Our Phase I ESA process is methodical and timely, designed to keep real estate transactions moving forward while uncovering critical site conditions.
You can expect:
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A detailed records review of historical aerial photos, fire insurance maps, city directories, and ownership records
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On-site reconnaissance to observe current site conditions and adjacent property uses
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Database searches of federal, state, tribal, and local environmental records
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Identification and documentation of RECs and Historical RECs (HRECs)
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A full written Phase I ESA report, ready for lender or agency review
Champion Environmental keeps the process efficient, thorough, and aligned with both regulatory expectations and client timelines.
What Is a Phase I ESA?
A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment is a non-invasive investigation that evaluates the environmental history and current condition of a property to determine if there are existing or potential contamination issues.
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The goal is to identify Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs)—indicators that hazardous materials may have been released at or near the site. A Phase I ESA does not include soil, groundwater, or building materials sampling. If potential contamination is identified, a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment involving sampling and laboratory analysis may be recommended.
When Phase I ESAs Are Needed
Phase I ESAs are essential in several scenarios:
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Prior to property acquisition or refinancing
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Before beginning a redevelopment or land use change
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When establishing eligibility for CERCLA liability protections
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As part of risk management for property portfolio evaluations
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During internal environmental audits
Understanding the Risk
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Environmental liabilities can dramatically affect property value, financing options, and project feasibility. Undiscovered contamination can result in unexpected cleanup costs, legal disputes, regulatory penalties, and reputational harm.
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By conducting a Phase I ESA early in the transaction process, buyers and lenders can make informed decisions, negotiate environmental indemnities, and qualify for protections under federal law. Champion Environmental’s approach is designed to surface risks early and equip stakeholders with practical, accurate information.
A Path to Compliance and Risk Management
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Champion Environmental provides Phase I ESA services that are practical, reliable, and fully compliant with ASTM and EPA standards. We work closely with clients to define scopes of work, prioritize critical concerns, and deliver reports that satisfy both legal requirements and lender expectations.
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If contamination risks are identified, we can also coordinate Phase II ESA sampling services, remediation planning, or regulatory consultation as needed to keep projects moving forward.
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Schedule a Phase I ESA consultation today. Our team is ready to support your project with professional environmental due diligence from the ground up.