Division of Support Operations
Environmental Pre-Purchase Audits
Prior to purchasing a piece of property, ECS conducts an environmental pre-purchase audit, which is also known as a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA), to identify any potential or recognized environmental conditions on the site. Existing and past uses of the property including chemicals use and storage, storage tanks and waste disposal are investigated. Surrounding properties are also investigated to identify any potential contamination that may have impacted the property of interest as well as any potential environmental threats such as air pollution and bulk hazardous material storage. If there are no recognized environmental conditions identified then ECS reports to the Real Estate Department that no further investigation is recommended.
When recognized environmental conditions are identified, an environmental consultant is hired to perform a Phase II ESA where soil and groundwater sampling is conducted based on the findings of the Phase I ESA. The results of these tests tell us whether a property is contaminated. Based on the results of the Phase II the ECS will recommend whether further investigation is warranted or if the potential cost of cleaning up the property is cost prohibitive.