Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) are a common and soon to be mandatory requirement for real estate transactions, business expansions, commercial refinancing, and/or insurance risk management practices. ESAs are performed to investigate and report any existing or potential environmental risk.

For a buyer, performing an ESA gives the potential property owner protection against liability created by the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) of 1980. Otherwise, such liability may be fully transferable with the property to the new owner (and indirectly to the lien holder, if any). Potential environmental concerns may affect the value of the property, with the cost of remediation projects becoming very costly and possibly exceeding the purchase price of the same. For the seller, performing an ESA will establish a benchmark regarding property condition up to the time of transfer, thereby offering protection to the seller against post transfer contamination responsibility.

There are three possible phases of ESAs: Phase I (inspection), Phase II (sampling), and Phase III (remediation). Benton & Associates can perform or help coordinate any phase of an ESA. We hold numerous certifications, including the EAA Certified Environmental Inspector (CEI) for environmental assessments and the Registered Transaction Screen Specialist (RTS) designations.

Benton & Associates can also assist with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) checklist reports. These reports are required before constructing, modifying, or selling of properties in which the FCC, HUD, FDIC, or other federal agencies are involved. Also, federally insured mortgage loans cannot be closed without a NEPA report.