phase I ESA
The Phase I Environmental Site Assessment is a very common report used to identify potential or existing environmental contamination liabilities for real estate properties. Early history of Phase I ESA’s date back to the 1970’s with studies assessing the risks of owning commercial properties potentially contaminated with toxic chemicals or disposal. Creation of today’s Phase I ESA was largely a result of the U.S. courts passing the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA).
In addition to providing protections under CERCLA, a Phase I ESA may identify:
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Conditions that devalue a property
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Indicators of Business Environmental Risk
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Environmental conditions that present a risk to employees, customers, and/or residents
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Issues that may result in regulatory enforcement actions
Environmental Transaction Screening Assessment
If the prospective purchaser decides they would like a less rigorous environmental assessment, as is sometimes the case, White Buffalo Environmental can provide an Environmental Transaction Screening Assessment that evaluates environmental risk, but does not include all of the steps necessary to meet the requirement for establishing CERCLA Landowner Liability Protection.
NePA and section 106 investigations
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NEPA - Investigations and report to determine potentional effect on preoperty development
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Commercial Development - required if federal involvement needed inculding funding or licensing
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UDSA/RUS funding
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SBA loans
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FCC licensing
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Section 106 - section within a NEPA investigation, specific to government and tribal cultural or historical resources
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SHPO/THPO consultation
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Permitting review and permit acquisition
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Zoning changes as required or needed
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SWPPp development
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The NPDES storm water program requires construction site operators to obtain coverage under an NPDES permit for their storm water discharges.
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In areas where EPA is the permitting authority, operators must meet the requirements of the EPA Construction General Permit (CGP).
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White Buffalo can provide Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) program guidance.
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We can produce the SWPPP document, monitor activity, and even recommend remediation.