Environmental Investigations and Brownfield Services

AEI can provide Real Estate Environmental Phase I Assessments in accordance with the ASTM Standard. Phase I Assessments are often used to assist lenders in determining if a property is suitable collateral for a loan. Lenders oftentimes only accept Phase I reports from an approved environmental consulting firm.

A Phase II Environmental Investigation (Phase II) is a term used to describe quantifying the environmental condition (nature and extent) of contamination. This generally includes soil boring, groundwater wells, sampling, laboratory analysis, surveying, and reporting.  A Phase II can range from a few thousand dollars to several hundred thousand dollars.  Oftentimes a Phase II is implemented in stages.

A Phase III is a general term used to describe the cleanup or corrective action of a particular property. Typically a cleanup standard is established in accordance with state guidelines in order to permit the continued use of the property. Many states, like Pennsylvania, have programs (PA ACT 2 Brownfields) that can offer owners a path to achieve liability protection. AEI has also completed tank closure projects under the corrective action rules found in PA  Code Title 25 Chapter 245 regulations.

AEI can provide wetland delineations that are typically required for new permits and during development. Field surveys are completed to determine the vegetation, soil type and hydrology to evaluate if the area qualifies as a wetland. If a wetland is identified, the project can be relocated so it is not in the wetland, or go through the mitigation process.