The Education Center

Phase I ESA in Puerto Rico - Do you need one or not?

When it comes to purchasing or refinancing a property in Puerto Rico, many people want to know they're not putting money into a losing property. Just like buying a car without having it checked out ahead of time, buying a property in Puerto Rico without any sort of environmental due diligence, namely a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, is a foolish move that may leave you stuck with unexpected, unwanted, and expensive surprises down the road.

Are personnel issues a good excuse for non-compliance?

Running a business isn't an easy thing, especially when it comes to staying in compliance with environmental regulations. Add in the fact that today's workforce is jumping from job to job at a rate that we've never seen before and you have a recipe for disaster. Many of our customers are frequently stuck between a rock and a hard place when it comes to personnel changes, and the effect it can have on environmental regulatory compliance.

We explain when you need a Phase I ESA on vacant land.

When it comes to purchasing a Phase I ESA, there are many incorrect & preconceived notions which are incorrect with regards to what types of properties need environmental due diligence, mainly the incorrect notion that you don't need a Phase I ESA on vacant land. We occasionally hear things like "Phase I's are only for industrial facilities", or "you don't need a Phase I unless there was a dry cleaner nearby", both incorrect!

We explain what the standard, "scope" items in a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment are as per ASTM E1527 - 13.

When it comes to purchasing a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, many folks we talk to aren't entirely sure what they're getting. The issue is, the "standards" that define what is included in a Phase I ESA are created by ASTM International, a private organization, which can be somewhat confusing for the average person to get through.

We explain how you can get better stormwater samples from our stormwater outfall.

For anyone out there that works at or operates an industrial facility, chances are you have (or need!) an NPDES permit. Might be for stormwater, might be for a commingled discharge, but the point is most operations have some sort of permit they need to stay in compliance with. Even more to the point, you probably have to sample stormwater leaving your site and get it tested.

We discuss if Phase I ESA's include environmental compliance reports.

Many of our customers call us asking about 'environmental due diligence', and explain they're not entirely sure what they need, or are even asking to purchase. The issue is, environmental due diligence can mean a lot of things to a lot of different people. And, since few people have any experience with environmental reports or assessments, they are often confused, expecting different things, or generally just need help figuring out what they really need to buy.

When it comes to recycling in New Jersey, many people are shocked to learn how tough it is to start a recycling business in New Jersey. From the costs associated with recycling in New Jersey to learning how long it takes to get a recycling permit or approval, many potential customers change their mind and head across the river to Pennsylvania or move up into New York, and I don't blame them!