What is the difference between an Environmental Transaction Screen (ETS) and a Phase I ESA?

Environmental Transaction Screens (ETS) are a voluntary procedure intended to identify Potential Environmental Concerns (PECs) for commercial real estate. They are meant to be a screening tool for those who wish to conduct limited environmental due diligence, and usually only recommended for low risk property types with available historical information.

An ETS is sometimes used as an alternative to Phase I Environment Site Assessments (ESA), which are a more extensive method of environmental due diligence.

An ETS only requires a limited scope of work, which includes a site visit, review of environmental databases, completion of an environmental questionnaire by the owner or occupant and consultant doing the transaction screen, and review of limited historical sources. Historical use must be determined back to 1940 or first development using at least one of the following sources: Sanborn maps, city directories or aerial photographs.

The ETS process may be conducted either by the user or potential user of the property, whereas a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment must be conducted by an environmental professional, as defined by 40 CFR 312.10(b) (Standards for Conducting All Appropriate Inquiries or AAI). PM Environmental’s ETS reports are compliant with the most current ASTM E1528 standard.

Users who complete transaction screens do not qualify for Landowner Liability Protections (LLPs) under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA). Anyone seeking these protections should complete a Phase I ESA.

Related Articles:

Publication Details

Funding Vapor Intrusion Mitigation: A Midwest Overview

Vapor intrusion (VI) mitigation is an integral aspect of brownfield redevelopment that is common to property owners, developers, and responsible parties alike. Mitigating VI can be challenging due to evolving regulations and costs associated with investigation, mitigation, and ongoing VI compliance activities. So how does one offset those costs or seek funding for those activities?…

A Day in the Life of Steve Price

PM Environmental’s Principal and Vice President sits down with us to provide a glimpse into his role, as well as share some advice for ethical behavior. Q: Name, Title, Location Steve Price, Principal and Vice President, Lansing, Michigan Q: Tell us a little about your role and what you do.  My role is pretty unique…

A Day in the Life of Nick Lieder

PM Environmental’s Regional Manager of Site Investigation Services sits down with us to provide a glimpse into his role, as well as share some of his hobbies. Q: Name, Title, Location Nick Lieder, Regional Manager of Site Investigation Services, Berkley, MI Q: Tell us a little about your role and what you do.  The primary…