FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
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A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is a non-intrusive environmental due diligence assessment conducted in accordance with the current ASTM E1527 standard and EPA's All Appropriate Inquiries (AAI) requirements. The assessment includes a records review, site reconnaissance, interviews, and report preparation to identify potential environmental concerns, known as Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs). Phase I ESAs are commonly performed to support commercial real estate transactions, refinancing, redevelopment projects, and lender requirements while helping property owners maintain eligibility for certain federal liability protections.
Phase I ESAs are commonly required during commercial real estate transactions, refinancing, property development, mergers and acquisitions, and lending activities. They help buyers, lenders, and property owners identify potential environmental liabilities associated with a property and may help prospective purchasers maintain eligibility for certain CERCLA liability protections when completed in accordance with ASTM and EPA All Appropriate Inquiries (AAI) requirements.
If a REC is identified, additional investigation may be recommended, typically in the form of a Phase II ESA. A Phase II ESA involves collecting environmental samples such as soil, groundwater, or soil vapor to determine whether contamination is present.
A Phase II ESA is an environmental investigation that involves collecting samples of soil, groundwater, sediment, soil vapor, or indoor air for laboratory analysis. The purpose is to determine whether environmental impacts are present and, if so, evaluate their nature and extent.
No. The appropriate course of action depends on the type and extent of contamination, current and future property use, regulatory requirements, and redevelopment plans. Many sites can be managed through engineering controls, institutional controls, or targeted remediation strategies.
A brownfield is a property where redevelopment or reuse may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of environmental contamination. The EPA defines a brownfield as "real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant." Brownfields range from former industrial facilities and gas stations to vacant commercial and underutilized properties that may present environmental concerns to prospective purchasers, developers, or lenders.
Yes. Federal, state, and local programs may provide funding for environmental assessment, remediation, and redevelopment activities. AMO assists municipalities, economic development organizations, developers, and property owners in identifying and pursuing available funding opportunities. AMO personnel have secured more than $27 million in environmental assessment and remediation grant funding on behalf of our clients, supporting environmental cleanup, site redevelopment, and community revitalization initiatives.
Most Phase I ESAs can be completed within two to four weeks, depending on site complexity, records availability, and project requirements.
The duration varies depending on site conditions and the scope of investigation. Most Phase II ESA projects can be completed within several weeks to a few months, including planning, field activities, laboratory analysis, and reporting.
AMO Environmental Decisions provides environmental consulting services nationwide, with a primary focus on Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Michigan. Operating from our headquarters in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, and our Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania office, we support clients in urban, suburban, rural, and industrial environments across the country.
We serve developers, property owners, municipalities, economic development organizations, lenders, attorneys, manufacturers, industrial facilities, commercial property owners, and government agencies.
We provide practical, technically sound environmental consulting services focused on helping clients make informed decisions, manage risk, achieve regulatory closure, and advance redevelopment and business objectives. Our commitment to quality and results has been recognized by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP), which has honored AMO with two Keystone Awards for brownfields redevelopment projects. These awards recognize exceptional achievement in transforming environmentally challenged properties through innovation, collaboration, and dedication to community improvement—values that guide every project we undertake.