Phase I Library - Your Guide to Phase I ESAs

Stay Ahead of Environmental Risk with RMA’s Phase I ESA Resources

If you’re buying, selling, or refinancing property and want to understand environmental risk before it becomes a problem, you’re in the right place. This page brings together RMA’s most helpful Phase I Environmental Site Assessment resources, all in one spot.

Here you’ll find practical guidance, clear explanations, and real-world insights from environmental professionals who support property transactions across the country every day. Whether you’re new to Phase I ESAs, comparing providers, or looking to better understand what a “good” Phase I actually looks like, this is your starting point.

Talk to a Phase I ESA Expert

Need Phase I ESA Guidance? We’ve Got Answers.

Maybe you’re not quite ready to pick up the phone yet, and that’s completely fine. Environmental due diligence can feel murky, especially when different lenders, attorneys, and consultants all seem to have slightly different expectations. That’s exactly why we built the Phase I ESA Learning Center: a single, trustworthy place to understand how Phase I ESAs work, what really matters, and how to think about risk before you move forward.

From pricing explanations and due diligence timelines to real-world examples and common pitfalls, this is where you’ll find practical, experience-driven guidance. Every article, video, and resource here is based on real transactions RMA has supported, not recycled content or generic explanations. We’ve spent decades helping clients make smart property decisions, and we’re happy to share what we’ve learned.

Additional Phase I ESA Information

Everything You Need to Know About Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs)

A Clear, Real-World Guide to Understanding Phase I Environmental Site Assessments When we start talking about Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs), we often get the same reactions: "What is...

What is a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment?
Do I need a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment?
How much does a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment cost?
What does a Phase I ESA look for?
What are RECs in a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment?
What protection does a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment provide?
Contact Our Team

Talk to an Expert

Just fill out the form and our team will be in touch as soon as possible. We’ll learn a little more about your situation and figure out if we’re the right fit to help. If it looks like we can, we’ll walk you through the next steps and answer your biggest questions. If not, we’ll point you in the right direction so you can move forward with confidence.

Additional Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Resources

Looking for more information? Below is a comprehensive collection of our Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) articles covering requirements, costs, timing, scope, RECs, Phase II comparisons, special scenarios, and transaction considerations.

Phase I ESA Basics

Timing, Validity, and Scheduling

Costs, Pricing, and Value

Scope, RECs, Data Gaps, and Outcomes

Phase I vs. Phase II and When to Escalate

Transactions, Banks, Sellers, and Legal Protection

Special Property Types and Add-On Topics

Investors, Compliance, and Risk Management

Updates, Options, and State-Specific Requirements

PFAS and Emerging Liability Topics

Related Reading: Audits and Compliance Reviews

Get Help With Your Phase I Environmental Site Assessment

If you’ve made it this far, chances are you’ve spent some time trying to understand how Phase I ESAs actually work and what they really tell you about environmental risk. That’s a smart move. Environmental due diligence is one of those areas where vague answers and rushed reports can create problems later.

Whether you’re preparing for a purchase, refinancing, managing a portfolio, or reviewing a prior report, we hope this page has helped you make more informed decisions. At RMA, we’ve supported thousands of property transactions across the country, helping buyers, lenders, attorneys, and real estate teams understand risk clearly and avoid unnecessary surprises.

If you’re ready to talk with someone who knows Phase I ESAs inside and out and approaches them thoughtfully, fill out the form here. A member of our team will reach out to learn about the property and the transaction, answer your questions, and help you decide the best next step. No pressure, no sales pitch, just professional guidance from people who do this every day.

Get Phase I Help NOW

Trusted Nationwide for Smart Environmental Due Diligence.

We’ve helped investors, lenders, attorneys, and real estate teams navigate environmental risk with confidence, clarity, and defensible Phase I ESAs. Scroll below to see how organizations across the country have partnered with RMA to support better decisions and stronger transactions.

  • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    I first met Doug of RMA in 2002 when I attended an environmental course he developed for the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association. Doug’s ability to effectively communicate and explain the voluminous environmental regulations pertaining to the concrete industry is remarkable. He is truly a gifted speaker and teacher. If you are new to the industry or the environmental field, I strongly recommend participating in Doug’s courses. Since then, we’ve worked together on several projects including an NPDES permitting, and most recently, further development of the Green-Star EMS Program at NRMCA. Doug’s passion, experience, and insight are always welcomed assets on any environmental project.

    Ryan Sewell

    US Concrete

  • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    Simply put, as a consultant to the ready mixed concrete industry, Doug Ruhlin and the staff of RMA are one of the foremost authorities in terms of environmental regulations, permits, and responsibilities.

    Gary Mullings

    National Ready Mixed Concrete Association

  • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    I have known RMA for fifteen years and found them to be extremely professional, with a special insight for identifying issues others might overlook.  Their keen eye and excellent communication skills set them apart from other environmental consultants. We are always relieved when we learn that RMA has been involved in a client’s environmental assessments and compliance programs.

    Pierre Villere

    Allen Villere Partners

  • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    I have known Doug Ruhlin of RMA for nearly 20 years. RMA has been a leader in the environmental arena for all of that time. They're intimately versed in the key environmental issues that affect aggregates and concrete producers; they know the laws, regulations and both industries thoroughly. RMA has helped steer the formulation of new regulations and they have helped to direct industry's response to the current and new regulations - in multiple states. I would not acquire an existing operation or start a greenfield plant or quarry without consulting Doug.

    Tarek Khan

    BASF

  • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    I've worked regularly with RMA since 2018. The team is outstanding and every interaction has been positive. They have a legacy of industry expertise already built and they're constantly exploring new ways to help clients.

    Travis Keener

    Hydration Engineering, PLLC

  • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    We had the pleasure of working with RMA for our environmental consulting needs, and we are thoroughly impressed with their expertise and professionalism. From the initial consultation to the final permit issuance, their team was knowledgeable, thorough, and responsive. Doug, Tate & their team took the time to understand our specific challenges and provided clear, actionable advice that helped us navigate environmental regulations for our recycling facility with the DEP and EPA officials. Their attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality work exceeded our expectations. They even helped us by looping in other specialized professionals to complete various required testing/ tasks for our permit application. If you're looking for an environmental consulting firm that is reliable, knowledgeable, and results-driven, I highly recommend RMA. They are true professionals who go above and beyond to support their clients.

    Steph Smith

    Peach Country

  • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    RMA has provided consistent and reliable support for all environmental matters brought to them. They can be both to the point or really dig into the issue depending on what is needed. Highly respected!

    Bryan Wigginton

    CalPortland

  • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    Have been doing business with Doug and his team for approx 5 years now and have found they are always quick to respond and very knowledgeable in their field. Great company!

    Frank McIntyre

    L&L Paving Co

  • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    After an extensive search, our firm hired RMA to educate our team on industry environmental best practices. Doug and his team were very thorough in their presentation and supporting documentation, and gave us a real world expectation of what we should be mindful of regarding reclaiming, slurry water, pH levels, permitting and other topics. I would highly recommend RMA to any company interested in understanding the important elements of environmental compliance, sustainability and those interested in positioning themselves as leaders in environmental stewardship.

    Owen Blevins

    Mid-Atlantic Concrete Equipment

  • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    I've had the privilege to work with RMA on multiple occasions. I cannot recommend them enough. In the complex, ever-changing world of environmental management - they help make it digestible. Everyone there is incredibly approachable and has a wealth of knowledge. Once you work with them, you won't want to work with anyone else.

    Jacob Canale

    Silvi Materials

  • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    Tremendous help RMA was with permit transfers for a newly acquired company. Chris, Amy, always there to answer any questions that I had throughout the process. Appreciate the help they give keeping us to stay in compliance with training during the year.

    Chris Young

    Tanis Concrete

  • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    RMA has been great to work with the last several years. They are always available to answer any questions we may have and all our needs are met with a quick response.

    James Holston Jr

    Vulcan Materials Company

  • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    Resource Management was very flexible with scheduling and worked a Phase 1 assessment at one of our locations providing great insight and recommendations.

    Dino Faiola

    Pennsy Supply

  • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    RMA was the best they are so helpful, and very responsive to my calls and emails. I give them a 5 STAR!

    Dina Tammaro

    Empire Transit Mix Inc.

  • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    We have been using RMA for several years. They always go above and beyond our expectations.

    Phillip Hudson

    Cumberland Supply

  • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    Could not ask for better support! RMA should be your choice as well!

    Bryan Wigginton

    CalPortland

  • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    Wonderful staff. Provides detailed explanations in a manner that is easy to understand. Quick to respond.

    Susan Allen

    Shore Sand and Gravel

  • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    A great consulting company.

    Patrick Buster

    Braen Stone Company

  • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    RMA will provide the support you need. If they do not know it already, guaranteed they will do the research. Highly recommended!

    Bryan Wigginton

    CalPortland

  • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    Doug and his firm consistently offer the highest quality of environmental services in the ready mixed concrete industry.

    Frank Cavaliere

    National Ready Mixed Concrete Association

Whether you need help with a single requirement or want to hand off your entire environmental program, we get it done right, the first time. You'll feel protected, confident in your company's regulatory standing, and ready for whatever comes next.

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