An environmental site assessment determines the possibility of contamination and its impact on a given parcel of land. It involves a historical study, sample readings, and a final report. Soil and water contamination are major concerns, along with air contamination and building investigations. The assessment is typically handled through a multi-step process, with the first step being a historical study. Samples are taken and reported, with recommendations included. The assessment is commonly used in commercial property transfers and can be ordered by a government agency.
An environmental site assessment is a study of past and present activities taking place on a given parcel of land. The assessment aims to determine what the possibility of contamination is on the site and the environmental impact of that contamination, should it spread. A number of steps are involved in an environmental assessment of the site, including a historical study, sample readings and a final report. These tests may be performed as a normal part of property transfers or may be required by a government agency.
Several areas of concern usually receive special attention when an environmental assessment of the site is carried out. Soil and water contamination are two of the biggest concerns. Other concerns include air contamination, as well as investigating any buildings on the property. If the buildings are older, asbestos and lead-based paints could be two potential problems. Depending on local regulations and the severity level, some of the issues may need to be resolved quickly.
Typically, assessment is handled through a multi-step process, the first step typically being historical study. This step can be done relatively quickly in most communities. It helps determine what tests may be needed and how extensive the testing and excavation will need to be, thus heavily influencing the cost of the rest of the assessment.
In historical study, land records will often be examined to determine what possible previous uses the plot may have had. What is discovered at this stage can help guide the next stages of the examination. For example, if a lot was once a gas station, an examination of any still operating underground tanks might be ordered for corrosion.
Other steps within an assessment usually include taking samples and reporting the results. Samples taken should reveal what contaminants are present, if any, and at what level they were found. A report will be written detailing what tests were done and how they were conducted, along with a detailed analysis of the results from a lab. Recommendations may also be included outlining what needs to be done to eliminate any problems.
An environmental site assessment is a widely used tool, especially when it comes to the transfer of commercial properties. Prospective owners may want to know what they will be dealing with before making a purchase offer. Any required cleaning then becomes part of the negotiations. This could affect the price or help the parties understand who is responsible for resolving all or part of the problem. These assessments could also be ordered by a government agency, if a particular site is suspected to be the source of a larger problem.
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