Due Diligence
Phase I ESA Checklist
Essential Due Diligence Guide
Comprehensive checklist covering all ASTM E1527-21 requirements for environmental site assessments.
Environmental Due Diligence
Phase I & Phase II ESA Services in NYC & New Jersey
Comprehensive site characterization and environmental risk evaluation. From Phase I ESAs to complex subsurface investigations, we deliver the data you need to make informed decisions.
Process
How an assessment runs
Four tracked stages from authorization to a lender-ready report.
- 01
Scope & kickoff
Same-business-day scope, fee range and delivery date.
Request a scope - 02
Findings & report
ASTM-conformant deliverable your lender and counsel can rely on.
Read the FAQs - 03
Common next step
The work most clients authorize once this closes out.
Asbestos & Lead Survey - 04
Start the engagement
Send the site details — we scope it and price it.
Start the engagement
Phase I ESA, Key Facts
- Standard: ASTM E1527-21 (current), required for All Appropriate Inquiries (AAI) under CERCLA per 40 CFR Part 312.
- Typical NYC & NJ cost: $2,200–$4,500. Rush 1-week turnaround available.
- Standard turnaround: 10–15 business days. Validity: 180 days for AAI; updateable to 1 year.
- When required: commercial lenders, SBA 7(a)/504, NY State BCP enrollment, NYC E-Designation applications, CERCLA buyer protections.
- NYC/NJ-specific reviews: historic fill, MGP sites, E-Designated lots, tidelands, NJDEP Known Contaminated Sites List.
Last reviewed: September 2026 · Envicon Group environmental assessment team.
1-Week Turnaround Available
Time-sensitive transactions get priority with our expedited turnaround options.
100% Lender Acceptance
ASTM E1527-21 compliant reports accepted by all major lenders and institutions — 100% lender approval across 350+ Phase I ESAs.
20+ Years Experience
350+ ESAs delivered across commercial, industrial, and municipal properties.
Phase I & Phase II Environmental Site Assessment NJ
Full-spectrum environmental investigation capabilities for real estate transactions, regulatory compliance, and risk management.
Phase I ESA
ASTM E1527-21 compliant assessments identifying recognized environmental conditions through records review, site reconnaissance, and interviews.
Explore this service
Phase II Investigation
Subsurface sampling and analysis of soil, groundwater, and soil vapor to evaluate recognized environmental conditions.
Explore this service
Vapor Intrusion Assessment
Indoor air quality evaluation and vapor encroachment screening to protect building occupants from subsurface contamination.
Explore this service
Groundwater Studies
Monitoring well installation, aquifer testing, pump tests, and long-term groundwater monitoring programs.
See groundwater monitoring services
Tank Management
UST/AST removal, closure documentation, and regulatory compliance for underground and aboveground storage tanks.
See UST closure services
Risk Assessment
Risk-based environmental and health risk assessments supporting site-specific cleanup standards.
Every Phase II boring program and UST removal starts with ground penetrating radar (GPR) to clear subsurface utilities and locate suspected tanks before drilling — reducing strike risk and keeping the investigation on schedule.
Due diligence sequence
How an assessment escalates only as far as it needs to
We start with records, escalate to subsurface work only when a recognized environmental condition warrants it, and stop as soon as the file is defensible.
Step 1: Phase I records review
Historical use, regulatory databases, and interviews assembled to ASTM E1527-21 standards.
Step 2: Phase II investigation
Targeted borings and monitoring wells confirm or rule out the conditions flagged in Phase I.
Step 3: Vapor & pathway screening
Soil-gas and indoor-air data evaluate the exposure pathways lenders and regulators ask about first.
Step 4: Sealed deliverable
72-hr priority option
You receive a signed, ASTM- or agency-compliant report with findings, costs, and clear next steps.
- Rush Turnaround
- 1 Week Rush Turnaround
- Lender Approval Rate
- 100% Lender Approval Rate
- Years of Experience
- 20+ Years of Experience
Complete Service Offering
Our environmental assessment team delivers comprehensive investigation services tailored to your project requirements and regulatory framework.
Due Diligence and Transaction Support
Phase I Environmental Site Assessments
Phase II Subsurface Investigations
Soil, Groundwater, Soil Vapor, and Ambient Air Sampling
Vapor Intrusion/Vapor Encroachment Assessments
NYC E-Designation & OER Program Management
Groundwater Monitoring, Aquifer Testing, and Pump Tests
Underground Storage Tank Removal, Closure & Reporting
Aboveground Storage Tank Compliance and Management
Community Air Monitoring Plans (CAMP)
Site-Specific Health and Safety Plans (HASP)
Contaminant Source Identification and Delineation
Risk-Based Environmental and Health Risk Assessments
PFAS Assessment & Advisory
Groundwater Investigation & Monitoring Wells
When You Need Assessment
- Commercial real estate acquisition or sale
- Refinancing existing property
- Pre-construction due diligence
- NYC E-Designation compliance
- Industrial facility expansion
- Portfolio transaction support
- Regulatory agency request or enforcement
- Lease negotiations and renewals
The Envicon Difference
ASTM E1527-21 Compliant, Lender-Approved Phase I ESA
We combine the personalized attention of a family-owned firm with the technical depth to handle the most complex environmental challenges.
Direct Access
Work directly with senior professionals who know your project, not junior staff cycling through.
Fast Turnaround
1-week turnaround options and responsive communication keep your transactions on schedule.
Defensible Results
Thorough documentation and ASTM compliance ensure your reports withstand scrutiny.
Specialized Services
Phase II ESA: Soil Boring & Groundwater Sampling NJ
Explore our specialized assessment capabilities for complex environmental challenges.
Vapor Intrusion Assessment
Sub-slab sampling, indoor air testing, and SSDS mitigation design. Starting at $3,500.
Learn more about vapor intrusion assessmentBrownfield Remediation
Full-service remediation design, implementation, and NFA closure for contaminated sites.
Learn more about brownfield remediationEnvironmental Due Diligence
Choose Your Level of Protection
Service comparison — not a formal proposalFour levels of due-diligence coverage for NY and NJ property transactions — from a fast desktop read to a pre-closing subsurface investigation. Each level buys you a different amount of liability protection.
Protection: Entry
Desktop Review
Protection strength 1 of 4 — Entry.A fast go/no-go read before you commit. No field visit, and it does not meet the ASTM standard.
from $850
flat fee
Draft in 3-5 business days
Protection: Standard
Phase I ESA
Protection strength 2 of 4 — Standard.The standard. Meets ASTM E1527-21 with a site visit and a report signed by an Environmental Professional.
from $2,200
lump sum
Draft in 2-3 weeks
See what Phase I ESA coversRecommended
Protection: Full
Phase I + Transfer Screen + Lien Search
Protection strength 3 of 4 — Full.Full Phase I, the state transfer-trigger answer you need before closing, and a hidden-lien check.
from $3,850
lump sum
Draft in 2-3 weeks
See what Phase I + Transfer Screen + Lien Search coversProtection: Maximum
All-In
Protection strength 4 of 4 — Maximum.Everything above, plus a limited Phase II before you close. Phase II scope is set by what the Phase I finds.
from $9,850
Phase II priced on findings
Draft in 3-4 weeks
See what All-In coversNot sure which level you need?
Get a tailored recommendation for your deal.
Tell us the level you're weighing and where to send it. An Environmental Professional reviews your situation and emails back whether that scope actually covers your liability — or whether you're buying more (or less) than you need. No obligation.
Every property prices differently.
These are starting points. Acreage, prior use, region and how fast you need it all move the number. The Cost Estimator gives you a range built around your property, your service and your closing date — in under two minutes, no obligation.
Compare the levels side by side
Select a level to highlight it and flag what that upgrade adds. Every line links to the service that delivers it.
| What's included | Recommended | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Read | ||||
| Go / no-go read on the property | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| Historical records reviewAerials, Sanborn maps, city directories, topographic maps | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| State agency file and case reviewNJDEP Data Miner, NYSDEC and NYC agency records | Light coveragelight | Included | Included | Included |
| Environmental database (EDR) radius report | Not included | Included | Included | Included |
| The Standard | ||||
| Field site visit and reconnaissance | Not included | Included | Included | Included |
| Meets ASTM E1527-21 (All Appropriate Inquiries) | Not included | Included | Included | Included |
| State site-investigation screen where requiredNJ Preliminary Assessment under the Spill Act; NY equivalents | Not included | Included | Included | Included |
| PFAS records-based screening | Not included | Included | Included | Included |
| Report signed by a qualified Environmental Professional | Not included | Included | Included | Included |
| The Protection | ||||
| Innocent-purchaser / AAI liability protection | Not included | Included | Included | Included |
| 180-day reliance window (40 CFR Part 312) | Not included | Included | Included | Included |
| Transfer-trigger applicability memoNJ ISRA NAICS and waiver screen; NY (E) Designation and BCP screen | Not included | Not included | Included | Included |
| AUL and environmental lien search | Available as an add-onadd-on | Available as an add-onadd-on | Included | Included |
| Limited Phase II before closing | Not included | Not included | Not included | Scoped on findingsscoped on findings |
| Turnaround | ||||
| Draft in your hands, from confirmed site access | 3-5 business days | 2-3 weeks | 2-3 weeks | 3-4 weeks |
Phase I ESA
from $2,200 · draft in 2-3 weeks
- Included: Go / no-go read on the property
- Included: Historical records review
- Included: State agency file and case review
- Included: Environmental database (EDR) radius reportNew here
- Included: Field site visit and reconnaissanceNew here
- Included: Meets ASTM E1527-21 (All Appropriate Inquiries)New here
- Included: State site-investigation screen where requiredNew here
- Included: PFAS records-based screeningNew here
- Included: Report signed by a qualified Environmental ProfessionalNew here
- Included: Innocent-purchaser / AAI liability protectionNew here
- Included: 180-day reliance window (40 CFR Part 312)New here
- Not included: Transfer-trigger applicability memo
- Available as an add-on: AUL and environmental lien search — add-on
- Not included: Limited Phase II before closing
Starting prices are floors for a typical NY/NJ commercial property and are not a quote. A Desktop Review does not meet ASTM E1527-21 and confers no All Appropriate Inquiries protection. Additional scopes are provided for information only and are not initiated without separate written authorization.
Our Work
Featured Case Studies
See how we've helped clients with similar challenges.
phase i
Manhattan Commercial Portfolio Assessment
New York, NY
Comprehensive Phase I ESA portfolio review for 12 commercial properties in Manhattan with tight acquisition timeline.
View Case Study
brownfield
remediation
Jersey City Mixed-Use Brownfield Redevelopment
Jersey City, NJ
Complete environmental assessment and remediation of a former industrial site converted to luxury residential development.
View Case Study
environmental
civil
Riverside Park South – Phase 6
Manhattan, New York
Final phase of a major waterfront park development on Manhattan's Upper West Side, transforming a former rail yard into public recreational facilities including a multi-use sports field, basketball courts, pedestrian pathways, and landscaped open space.
View Case StudyClient Success
What Our Clients Say
Hear from clients who've partnered with us on similar projects.
Phase I ESA
"Envicon delivered our Phase I ESA in 1 week when our closing was at risk. Their report was thorough, lender-accepted immediately, and the project manager was available to answer questions throughout. Exactly what we needed."
Michael R.
Vice President, Acquisitions
Commercial Real Estate Fund
Phase II Investigation
"After two other firms gave us conflicting Phase II results, Envicon's team stepped in and provided clarity. Their vapor intrusion assessment gave us the data we needed to negotiate the purchase price down significantly."
Jennifer L.
Managing Director
Private Equity Development Group
Portfolio Due Diligence
"We've used Envicon for over 50 Phase I assessments across our portfolio. Their consistency, responsiveness, and understanding of transaction timelines makes them our go-to environmental partner."
David K.
Asset Manager
Industrial REIT
Frequently Asked Questions
Environmental Assessment Questions
Get answers to common questions about our environmental assessment services, turnaround times, and deliverables.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about phase i esa.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about phase ii esa.
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Free Resources for This Service
Practical guides and checklists you can put to work today. Each download is delivered to your inbox.
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Phase I ESA Checklist
Essential Due Diligence Guide
Comprehensive checklist covering all ASTM E1527-21 requirements for environmental site assessments.
Complete ASTM E1527-21 requirement checklist
Red flag indicators to watch for
Documentation request template
Timeline and budget planning guide
PDF Guide • Sent to your email
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Learn moreTransparent pricing for Environmental Assessment & Investigation — get your site-specific estimate
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Industries We Serve
Industries That Rely on Environmental Assessment & Investigation
See how teams across these sectors integrate environmental assessment & investigation into their projects, with regulator-ready deliverables and predictable timelines.
Developers
We understand your timeline pressures. Get Phase I ESAs that pass lender scrutiny the first time, with 1-week turnaround when you need it.
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Lenders
Protect your portfolio with lender-compliant environmental assessments. We deliver Phase I ESAs that meet SBA, FDIC, and institutional requirements, on your timeline.
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Law Firms
We provide environmental law firms with the technical analysis, expert opinions, and litigation support needed to build winning arguments.
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Industrial
Whether you're acquiring, developing, or operating industrial facilities, we provide the environmental expertise to protect your investment.
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Institutional
Hospitals, universities, and nonprofits face unique environmental challenges. We help you protect your community while managing complex property portfolios.
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Environmental Assessment & Investigation Across the NY/NJ Metro Area
Licensed teams working locally — pick your market for regional regulators, turnaround times, and recent project work.