What does a Historical Use Review entail in a Phase I ESA?

A Historical Use Review in the context of a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) involves an examination of past property records and land use. This is crucial for identifying historical activities that may have impacted the property environmentally. The objective is to assess potential contamination risks associated with former uses, such as industrial or commercial operations, and to understand how the property's history may contribute to current environmental conditions.

During this review, investigators often look for documentation regarding previous owners, historical uses of the land, any past environmental reports, and records of hazardous substances that may have been used or stored on the site. By establishing a thorough understanding of the site's history, the Phase I ESA can better evaluate potential environmental liabilities, ensuring that there is a comprehensive risk assessment for future developments or property transactions.

Other options, such as analyzing future land development plans or reviewing current environmental regulations, focus on aspects that do not directly pertain to the site's past environmental conditions. A survey of current site visitors is primarily concerned with current site activities and does not address historical land use, which is essential for understanding contamination risks.