Environmental Assessments
Phase I Environmental Assessment (ESA) :
At GCI we understand the significant business risks and complexities involved with commercial property transfers, refinance and other high profile real estate transactions. Here at GCI we are devoted to help guide our customers as seamlessly as possible in making sound business decisions on every transaction when it comes to environmental issues. We provide a thorough and comprehensive report in adherence with ASTM E1527‐05 and AAI Standards.
NEPA / SHPO Assessment / Environmental Impact Statements (EIS)
Federal Agencies are required by federal law to carry out Public Assistance programs in accordance with all applicable environmental regulations. This includes all applicable local, state, and Federal laws that apply to the protection of the environment. Agencies such as FEMA cannot fund projects until the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) have been met. Regulations for implementing NEPA are found in 40 Code of Federal Regulations (Council on Environmental Quality) Sections 1500‐1508. Guidelines for FEMA’s handling of NEPA are found in 44 Code of Federal Regulations Part 10. If further review is necessary, the federal agency may prepare, with input from other agencies, an Environmental Assessment or Environmental Impact Statement to determine if the proposed action may have a significant effect on the environment. Other local, state, and Federal laws may apply to the review process, such as the Endangered Species Act or the Clean Water Act. GCI will use the appropriate NEPA document as a decision‐ making tool in the project approval process.
Transaction Screens :
Transaction Screens represent a reduced scope of work from the Phase I ESA and are designed to aid in developing information about the environmental condition of commercial real estate. Use of the Real Estate Transaction Screen (RETS) is Intended to constitute appropriate inquiry for the purposes of CERCLA’s innocent landowner defense and is considered to be a commercially prudent assessment.
Phase II Environmental Assessments :
When the Phase I ESA indicates the need for actual on‐site s ampling and analysis, or when the liabilities associated with the transaction dictate further action, a Phase II investigation is needed. The purpose of this investigation is to obtain a better understanding of the potential environmental liabilities for the subject property and the financial impacts of such liabilities. This is usually accomplished by field sampling and analytical laboratory testing of air, soil, groundwater, and/or site building materials to assess the presence and extent of hazardous chemicals that are suspected or have been identified during the Phase I assessment.