Industrial activities often leave behind environmental contaminants that can persist for decades, long after the original factory has closed. If your business purchases contaminated land, you’ll be responsible for the cleanup. Consequently, a comprehensive environmental site assessment is a crucial part of your due diligence. Knowing what to expect and when the property will need further examination will help you to avoid taking on more financial liability than you bargained for.

What’s Involved in an Environmental Site Assessment?

Phase 1 Site Assessments

To save time and money, phase 1 site assessments are generally non-intrusive studies that determine whether the property needs to be investigated further. During the study, experts will review records about past uses of the property, including old maps and government documents, for signs of activity that might have led to environmental contamination. Investigators will also perform a visual inspection of the property, looking for storage tanks or other signs that gasoline or other chemicals were ever used on the land.

What Happens After an Environmental Site Assessment?

If the investigators don’t find any reason to believe the site is contaminated, they’ll issue a report that fulfills your due diligence. However, if the record review suggests the site may have been contaminated, they’ll recommend a more thorough phase 2 assessment, which includes taking soil and groundwater samples for analysis. For instance, they might find that a previous occupant kept a fleet of commercial vehicles on the land, or used industrial processes now known to cause long-term pollution problems.

With offices in Lexington and Louisville, KY, Shield Environmental Associates, Inc. offers thorough, reliable evaluations to businesses throughout the area. If you’re considering purchasing a commercial property, they’ll provide peace of mind with comprehensive environmental site assessments performed by professionals with decades of experience. Visit their website for an overview of their services, or call (859) 294-5155 to reach their location in Lexington. To contact their Louisville offices, call (502) 493-0305.