Phase I ESA: common questions
Cost, timing, updates, and deliverables depend on the property and the purpose of the assessment. These answers help you prepare a useful project brief and compare proposals on scope.
How much does a Phase I ESA cost?
Our base Phase I ESA fee is $2,500–$3,000+ for a single-parcel, low-risk property. Industrial properties, multi-parcel properties, gas stations, dry cleaners, and other complex projects are quoted individually. The proposal confirms the property-specific scope and fee. View pricing and services »
How long does a Phase I ESA take?
Our standard Phase I ESA turnaround is 4 weeks. A 3-week turnaround carries a 25% surcharge on the quoted base fee, and a 2-week turnaround carries a 50% surcharge. Turnaround begins once both authorization and payment of the required 50% deposit have been received. PCAs use the same base pricing, turnaround, and rush surcharges. The proposal confirms the scope and delivery schedule. Access limitations, agency response times, and unresolved records still need to be evaluated and disclosed.
How long can a Phase I ESA be used?
For acquisition-related AAI, the inquiry must be completed within one year before acquisition, with specified components completed or updated within 180 days. Under ASTM E1527-21, interviews, environmental cleanup-lien searches, government-record reviews, visual inspections, and the environmental professional’s declaration have 180-day timing requirements. Assess the component dates, intended transaction date, user responsibilities, and changed conditions; do not measure age only from the report cover.
Can an old report just be re-signed?
Re-signing or changing the date does not update the inquiry. The consultant must assess what can be used, what needs updating, changes in conditions, the applicable standard, and the intended user and transaction. Reports beyond the one-year window require a new assessment, although useful historical information may be incorporated and evaluated.
What should I send for a proposal?
Provide the address, parcel numbers or survey, approximate acreage, current and known former uses, transaction type, lender requirements, planned use, deadline, access contact, and available prior reports. State whether the assessment must cover multiple buildings or parcels. These details let the consultant prepare a scope that matches the transaction.
What should I expect in the deliverable?
Expect a signed report that identifies the assessed property, scope, research, observations, findings, conclusions, and relevant limitations. Supporting materials typically document the investigation and sources. Confirm format, intended recipients, reliance requirements, and any lender-specific attachments before work starts; a large page count alone does not demonstrate a useful assessment.
Does “no RECs identified” mean the property is clean?
It means the assessment did not identify RECs based on its scope, information, observations, and professional evaluation. It is not proof of the absence of every contaminant or environmental issue. Read limitations, significant data gaps, non-scope items, and any separate business environmental risks alongside the conclusion.
Related guidance
Browse the Phase I ESA information hub
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Primary references
General guidance does not replace a property-specific assessment. The applicable standard, regulations, scope, and available evidence govern the evaluation.