What are the two types of Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs)?

The two types of Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) are referred to as Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments. Phase I assessments focus on identifying potential contamination and assessing environmental liabilities by reviewing historical records, site inspections, and interviews, without conducting any actual sampling of the land. This phase aims to gather information that might indicate the presence of hazardous substances.

Phase II assessments are conducted after Phase I when potential contaminants have been identified; this phase involves actual sampling and testing of soil, groundwater, and other environmental media to confirm the presence and concentration of hazardous materials. The information obtained from both phases helps stakeholders make informed decisions about property transactions and environmental remediation.

These specific phases are standardized approaches recognized in environmental practice, making them the definitive types of ESAs. Other terms such as initial, comprehensive, site characterization, or risk assessment do not align with the established framework for environmental site assessments used by professionals in the field.