Due Diligence

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Phase I Environmental Site Assessments

Our Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) are completed by experienced staff and all are directed by environmental professionals with a minimum of 10-year’s experience. Our projects are very cost effective because we are a small employee-owned company and we do not have the large overhead and expenses of a large company. We have the available staff and experience to complete multi-site portfolios with very short due dates. We take pride in the fact that we can provide quality Phase I ESA reports for less cost than our competition.


Most reports are performed to meet the standards of ASTM E1527-13. Summerville Engineering can also customize reports to meet individual client or agency lender’s (Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac) requirements.

Phase II Environmental Site Assessments

Summerville Engineering performs Phase II Environmental Testing either in support of a financing decision or to meet State Requirements. Most of our reports are performed to meet the standards set by ASTM E1903-97(2002). Phase II ESA normally is performed when the Phase I ESA identifies Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs) and/or recommends further investigation.


  • The standard practice for Phase II ESAs is ASTM E1903-11.
  • Unlike the Phase I ESA AAI rule, the Phase II is not a rule, but a standard of practice for performing the assessment.
  • The standard of the Phase II ESA is typically defined by the scope proposed by the Environmental Professional and accepted by the client. This allows the scope of work to be tailored to each individual site and situation.
  • Any additional testing or characterization should meet state and local guidelines.
  • Normally, a Phase II ESA is actually a screening to determine if potential contamination and/or hazardous materials are present.  The Phase II does not typically characterize contamination present nor is it a feasibility study.  However, this can be included as part of the Phase II ESA scope or may be part of the screening recommendations.
  • Geophysical surveys are often included to help locate subsurface objects and/or identify suitable locations for soil borings and groundwater monitoring wells.