Environmental Site Assessments

Souder, Miller & Associates (SMA) provides ASTM Standard Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) and ASTM Standard Transaction Screens to help clients assess environmental liability associated with a property. Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) of 1980, liability for site cleanup as a result of a release of hazardous substances into the environment is assigned to the responsible party or landowner. Therefore, a landowner, potential landowner, or loaning agency may need to determine if a property has been contaminated.

During a Phase I ESA, SMA evaluates the location, the physiographic and hydrogeologic setting, and the historical and current land use of a property. Sources of potential impact to the subject site within a one-half-mile or one-mile search distance are evaluated through review of regulatory lists. Previous land use and water quality in the vicinity of the subject site is determined from available records. Any information indicating potential impacts to human health and the environment are presented and evaluated in the report.