ACSM & ALTA Surveys
Posted on April 10, 2008
An ALTA survey or ALTA/ACSM survey provides everything that an As-built survey does, but also addresses the title commitment of the property. The major difference between an ALTA/ACSM survey and an As-built survey is the location of easements and other schedule B items that show up in the title commitment. An ALTA/ACSM survey is usually only required if the property is being sold, purchased or re-financed. The acronym stands for American Land Title Association and American Congress on Surveying and Mapping.
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Phase II Environmental
Posted on April 10, 2008
Diablo Green Consulting, Inc. conducts Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESA) in accordance with ASTM Standard E 1527- (Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessment: Phase II Environmental Site Assessment Process - Second Edition) and or the EPA All Appropriate Inquiry (AAI) guidelines to assist buyers and sellers in the transfer or redevelopment of a property.
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What is a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment
Posted on December 14, 2007
The purpose of the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment is to identify, to the extent feasible, recognized environmental conditions in connection with the property. This assessment will include a site reconnaissance as well as research and interviews with representatives of the public, property management, and regulatory agencies. DGC will perform a Phase I ESA in accordance with the current ASTM standard E1527-05 and the AAI final rule. In response to a request for a Phase I ESA, DGC deploys experts to conduct an inquiry into current and past environmental management practices. We query property owners and key facility personnel and review historical documentation including deeds, records of use of the site and surroundings, historical fire insurance maps, aerial photographs, and agency databases. A Phase I ESA includes a regulatory search of historic records to evaluate the potential presence of concerns on or near the property being evaluated.
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NEPA for Federally Funded Projects
Posted on December 4, 2007
Projects that are funded by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will often require a NEPA regulatory process be followed to secure the funds. The NEPA procedure touches on many environmental aspects including, but not limited to, historic preservation, floodplain management, wetlands protections, air quality, and noise abatement to name a few. Organizations want to secure the advice and consultation of a firm well versed in the NEPA process in order to make the process flow well and reduce the friction often experienced when working through complex rules as those included in Title 47 CFR and Title 24 CFR Part 58 for NEPA.
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A Phase I ESA will be required
Posted on November 22, 2007
Entering this new world post August 2007, you, as a buyer of commercial real estate, should be duly informed that banks have raised the bar for due diligence. One of the way banks are better protecting themselves during this credit crunch is the increased probability that a buyer will be asked for a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment for the property to be purchased. This is another arrow in the quiver that banks are using to ensure thier portfolio of loans are triple A rated. Additionaly, if you would like your purchase to go smoothly, you would be advised to use a firm with experience and one that follows current ASTM standards for Phase I reports. Otherwise, you run the risk of delays and additional expense. At the end of the day, you’re actually protecting yourself as a buyer too.
» Filed Under Phase I | Leave a Comment