Freestone conducts environmental site assessments for property transactions following ASTM guidelines.

Environmental Site Assessments, also known as “All Appropriate Inquiry” (AAI) are performed prior to property transfers for the purpose of determining whether hazardous substances or petroleum products have been disposed or released at the site. This is intended to satisfy one element of the innocent purchaser defense to CERCLA liability.

Phase I investigations involve research of public records for the property and vicinity, an inspection of the site, and interviews with owners, occupants, surrounding property owners, and local government officials to determine if a Recognized Environmental Condition (REC) exists.

Phase II investigations are performed when a REC is present and of such significance that more detailed and intrusive investigation is necessary. These investigations may involve sampling and analysis of soil, air and vapor, groundwater, building material, waste drums, and USTs to determine the presence of a release of hazardous substances or petroleum, and to determine whether further site investigation and potentially a cleanup action are necessary.

Our reports clearly present the details and findings of the investigation, so that the potential purchaser or lender has unbiased information to make decisions regarding the potential environmental risks of acquiring a property.