Global pollution is on the rise due to increasing factories, industries, and vehicles, so it has become essential to ensure the environment and sustainability is protected for future generations. As we become aware of the impact on our planet, it has become crucial to take steps to protect the environment.
There are millions of properties on this earth, and if everyone takes measures to protect their site, this can help decrease the pollution level and protect human health. This is where Phase 1 ESA is used in ensuring environmental protection and sustainability of a property by assessing the risks involved in it before purchasing or selling a property. Let’s understand the role of Phase 1 ESA in protecting the environment in today’s polluted world.
What Is Phase 1 ESA?
Phase 1 ESA is a site assessment or primary investigation to identify the environmental history and current condition of the site. The process is performed on a contaminated site to identify hazardous materials like lead, chemicals, or contaminants that can be risky to the property and human health.
Process
- The process starts with a site visit to examine the property for contaminants such as oil spills, chemical odour, or other signs of contamination. The site visits also include finding the sources of contamination like underground storage tanks, leakages or storage areas.
- Phase 1 ESA involves a review of historical data, land photographs, previous owner feedback, and an environmental database.
- Site inspection is done to identify current conditions and risks involved with the site.
- Phase 1 ESA identifies whether further investigation is needed or not, and a report is prepared with all the findings and potential hazards.
- If risks are found, Phase 2 ESA is conducted to confirm the presence of contamination to revive the contaminated site to sustainable condition.
- If a site has more risks, remediation is considered, where contaminated sources are removed, soil is cleaned, and more engineering solutions are considered.
Role of Phase 1 ESA in Ensuring Environmental Protection & Sustainability
- The primary goal is to identify the environmental risks associated with the property. Identifying them early will help property owners find a solution and prevent future damages and repairs.
- Any environmental contamination source is identified and treated to minimise the risks of hazardous material into the environment to maintain the property sustainably.
- Phase 1 ESA is considered as part of site assessment with new government rules.
- It helps property owners take measures on time, like remediation or recycling waste products.
Phase 1 ESA is not just helping in real estate but also other industries, including transportation, agriculture, oil and gas by encouraging them to use sustainable and environment-friendly land use practices.
Well, this was all about Phase 1 ESA and its contribution to an environment-friendly and sustainable site in various industries, especially in real estate properties. While Phase 1 ESA identifies contamination, Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) confirms the presence of contaminants and remediation, which is the last step to fix these contaminated sites. Ultimately, the role of Phase 1 ESA can’t be ignored as it is the initial stage for a better tomorrow and the well-being of our planet.