When purchasing property, there are many different avenues that must be traveled in order to get through the process as seamlessly and painlessly as possible. Phase I, Phase II, and Phase III surveys are just one aspect of the many hurdles that must be jumped through in order to get things completed, and although these surveys are rather different from one another they are used for a common cause and are therefore often lumped together into one category. In fact, Phase I, II, and III surveys are all very different from one another but all contribute toward a common purpose. Below is a discussion of each phase survey that will explain why they are used and when.
Phase I Survey
Esa
o The Purpose: To identify any potential contamination or environmental hazard in a particular area. This identification can be done by sampling the habitats, or species of plant life and animal life that make up a given area. This includes common or rare species, as well as ancient or endangered species. From this information, laboratory studies are done and a summation.
o How It Is Performed:
The survey is performed by inspecting the property and taking a detailed account of what is and is not found in a given area. Most times, Phase I surveys are performed by a single person or a group of single people on foot.
o How Long Does It Take to Complete?
Depending on how extensive the area to be covered is, a Phase I survey may take a few weeks or a few months. This also depends on who is hired to complete the Phase I survey, although it should not take an extended period of time in any case.
o What is Covered? What is Not Covered?
All wildlife and vegetation in a given area is covered by the Phase 1 survey. This is to make an appropriate assessment of what is and is not in a given area. This information is useful to either party in many cases, and can be done in the event of an environmental audit.
o What Is The Cost?
The cost of a Phase I survey varies from case to case. Depending on how extensive the survey must be, the cost of a survey can be any of a number of price points.
o When Is It Performed?
Phase I surveys are performed at any time during the year but they are best carried out during the Spring and Summer when the vegetation in a given area is more common and more easily identified. More information is obtained this way.
Phase II Survey
o The Purpose:
Phase II survey investigates the quality of soil or the ground water in the event of its need, in order to determine whether or not the property is 'healthy' or any type of hazardous material or contamination exists.
o How It Is Performed:
Firstly, a plan (Sampling and Analysis Plan) is generated to determine what things must be tested and what action must be taken. Thereafter, samples are taken and tested in a laboratory to determine the presence of hazardous materials and to assess the quality of the environment.
o How Long Does It Take to Complete?
A Phase II survey may take anywhere from two to three months to complete, depending on the need for it and how extensive the sampling is that must be completed, as each sample must be tested individually in a laboratory atmosphere.
o What is Covered? What is Not Covered?
During a Phase II survey the earth soil and the water in a given area are covered and tested.
o What Is The Cost?
Although a Phase II survey may vary in cost, the typical Phase II survey may cost anywhere from ,000 to ,000.
o When Is It Necessary?
A Phase II survey is necessary in the event of acquisition of land that must be zoned for a particular purpose or when hazardous materials are suspected, or both.
Phase III Survey
o The Purpose:
To identify any still-present hazardous materials or contaminated areas in a given property.
o How It Is Performed:
The Phase III survey is performed in the same manner as Phase I and Phase II surveys but in a more extensive manner.
o How Long Does It Take to Complete?
The Phase III survey can take even longer to complete than a Phase I or Phase II due to the extensive processes involved. Timing is dependent upon the type of testing that is required.
o What is Covered? What is Not Covered?
The Phase III survey covers all of the same issues and areas are covered as in the initial Phase I and Phase II surveys.
o What Is The Cost?
A Phase III survey can cost up to ,000 or in some cases even more, depending on the extensive nature of the survey and the area in which it is to be performed.
o When Is It Necessary?
Phase III surveys are not always performed. They are performed in the event that there is hazardous material present or the area is not up to standard and the property is still going to be developed.
Never buy without an Environmental Site Assessment or ESA. The ESA can let you know whether or not you are over paying for a given property as hazardous materials can render a particular property unusable and you may not be able to recoup the money from your investment.
IF you are in need of an ESA, there are many places to go about looking for a provider of that service. Your local government is the best resource to find out how to go about having an ESA conducted.
Phase I, II and III Surveys Esa
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