Obtaining a thorough and professional environmental assessment is an investment in peace of mind and protection against future financial liability. Unfortunately, acquisition of contaminated property is a risk posed in any property transaction, whether change of ownership, new management, or refinancing. Environmental assessments, also known as due diligence investigations, have two goals: (1) to enable present or future property owners, managers or lenders to gauge their potential liability; and (2) to determine remediation options. There are two major areas of potential liability: (1) environmental contamination and associated cleanup costs; and (2) toxic tort suits stemming from human exposure to environmental contaminants.

The Cohen Group’s Phase I environmental assessments have three parts - the site review, site inspection and report. Our approach is consistent with the guidelines established in "Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process" (ASTM Standard E-1527-94).

The site review is an information hunt. Utilizing computer databases, regulatory agency contacts, document reviews and interviews of knowledgeable persons, we determine the histories of the site under study and those adjoining.

The site inspection evaluates the apparent degree and extent of contamination, the potential for further contamination, and human exposure by current or foreseen operations.

The report provides detailed findings of the site inspection and site, and, as appropriate, recommendations for Phase II sampling and an overview of possible remediation options.