Alpha Geoscience performs Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) in accordance with the ASTM E1527, Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments, for the purpose of determining whether “recognized environmental conditions” are present. Completion of a Phase I ESA may allow the user to qualify as a "bonafide purchaser" under CERCLA. Alpha has worked for sellers, lending institutions and purchasers to complete Phase I ESAs for industrial, commercial, residential and undeveloped rural, suburban and urban properties. Alpha personnel have provided expert opinion regarding the level of appropriate inquiry and work scope constituting a Phase I ESA.

The scope of work for a Phase I ESA generally includes performing a site reconnaissance, interviewing knowledgeable parties, reviewing historical records and regulatory databases, and preparing a report of findings. Phase II and remediation work is conducted in accordance with applicable state or USEPA protocols, or solid or hazardous waste protocols, as appropriate, based on the results of the Phase I ESA. The types of properties and projects for which Phase I ESAs have been completed include:

• Industrial sites with historical uses that may include manufacturing, processing or storage. Projects include transfer of ownership with no change in site use, or for redevelopment.
• Commercial properties such as malls, shopping plazas, or individual enterprises. These properties often have issues related to current or historical storage of petroleum products or chemicals used at the property.
• Recreational facilities, some of which may have involved the storage or use of petroleum products and/or pesticides and other chemicals.
• Agricultural lands, agricultural facilities, or rural land being considered for other commercial, industrial, or public uses. Issues often include petroleum storage, pesticide/herbicide application or solid waste disposal.
• Single and multi-unit residential sites, and vacant suburban and urban properties scheduled for development. Typical issues include storage of petroleum for heating fuel, asbestos, lead paint, or potential impacts from adjacent properties.
• Mine sites and mining related facilities that may have conditions ranging from storage and use of petroleum and solvents, to surface water and ground water impacts from mining operations.