Prior to purchasing a piece of commercial property, most lending institutions will require a Phase I environmental site assessment be performed for the property. Even if it is not required, it is an appropriate step in the transaction to inform the buyer of any potential contamination from previous operations on the property. Ellis will perform a site reconnaissance, including interviews with personnel, to identify current operations and conditions at the site. Relevant records are also researched, including Environmental Data Research reports, past building permits and fire insurance maps. Some of these records date back 80+ years, and could identify a problem or concern that isn't obvious with current usage of the property. Other services, which are site specific and required by the ASTM, would also be included in our Phase I ESA.

A Phase I investigation involves historical research, interviews, and a visual inspection of a property. It does not include testing and analysis of potentially hazardous materials. A Phase II ESA will include many of the elements of a Phase I effort, but in addition will include sampling and analysis of soils or building materials as requested.

Phase I environmental site assessments provided by Ellis are managed by Cal-EPA registered environmental assessors. Since 1994, Ellis has performed Phase I and II ESA's for a variety of municipalities, state and local property managers and developers. Our investigations comply with ASTM E-1527-00 and are accepted by all major lending agencies.