All Phase I ESAs will be conducted by a Georgia licensed Professional Geologist and contain the
following information:

  • A site reconnaissance to look for obvious evidence of chemical contamination including
    underground storage tanks (USTs), aboveground storage tanks (ASTs), stained soils, stressed
    vegetation, noxious odors, unidentified drums, electric or hydraulic equipment possibly containing
    polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and other solid or hazardous wastes;
  • Site photographs (minimum of 12 photos);
  • A general reconnaissance of areas within a one-mile radius of the subject site;
  • A review  federal, state, local government and tribal environmental regulatory listings;
  • A review of practically available web based historical records (Sanborn Maps, City Directories, title
    searches)
  • Historical topographic map(s) and aerial photographs (varies depending on coverage years);
  • A review of published literature concerning site area soils, geology, and hydrology, and
  • Interviews with past,  present, and if necessary, adjacent  property owners

Although not a part of an ASTM Phase I,  the following non-scope items maybe included for additional
costs:

  • Asbestos Assessments and Inspections
  • Vapor Intrusion determination
  • Endangered and or threatened species identification within the general area
  • Historical and Archaeological relevance within the general area
  • Flood zone identification (obtained from the digital flood insurance maps)

Mold surveys and  Wetland delineation (beyond a cursory observations) are contracted through reliable
partners.

New SBA SOP pertaining to Environmental Assessments went into effect on June 15, 2008. This  SOP  
allows for Transaction Screening Assessments (TSA) or Desktop reviews for those properties
determined to be of "low risk" and, will include the following:

  • Environmental Questionnaire completed by owner/operator
  • A records search with risk assessment
  • Review of Sanborn (fire insurance maps, if available)
  • Review of City Directories (if available)
  • Review of Historical Aerial Photographs
  • Conclusions and Recommendations
  • Does Not include a site visit or site photographs.
Helpful links

White Paper: Vapor Intrusion ASTM E 2006

Federal Register Notice: AAI Final Rule

Fact Sheet All Appropriate Inquiries Final Rule

SBA SOP 10 50(5) [Chapter 3]

White Paper: New SBA SOP

US EPA Radon Map of Georgia

USDA Web Soil Survey

FEMA Map Service (Flood Maps)

Georgia EPD
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS