Phase I ESA
Most environmental due diligence starts with Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments. ABF offers Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) performed in conformance with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International Standard E1527-13 and on behalf of the user. The standard meets All Appropriate Inquiry (AAI) rules that qualify an innocent landowner, contiguous landowner, or bona fide prospective purchaser as defined by Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA). When environmental issues or RECs are identified and additional investigation is warranted as part of the environmental due diligence process, a Phase II ESA is proposed.
Phase II ESA
The Phase II ESA generally involves sampling of soil, groundwater, and/or soil gas to evaluate if potential contamination exists on the property. When contamination is identified, ABF will communicate the significance of the results and identify strategies to minimize the potential risk for the user. In Michigan, buyers of a contaminated property may complete a Baseline Environmental Assessment (BEA) that limits their liability for existing contamination. However, a new owner still must exercise Due Care to protect human health and the environment as part of the future use of the contaminated property.