What is a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment?

A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment is an investigation of a property's environmental condition conducted before purchase or refinancing to identify potential contamination risks. It includes a review of historical records, aerial photographs, government environmental databases, and regulatory files, plus a physical site inspection and interviews with owners and occupants. A Phase I does not involve soil or groundwater testing. If potential contamination is identified, a Phase II assessment with sampling and laboratory analysis may follow.