FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers about environmental site assessments and commercial inspections in Southern California.
General
What areas do you serve?
We are based in San Diego and serve all of Southern California: San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Imperial, Kern and San Luis Obispo Counties.
What is the difference between Phase I, II and III ESAs?
Phase I is a non-intrusive records and site review. Phase II samples soil, groundwater or vapor to confirm contamination. Phase III delineates and plans cleanup of confirmed contamination.
How quickly can you start?
Most projects can be scheduled within a few business days. Call (855) 559-1099 to discuss your deadline.
Do you work with lenders?
Yes. Reports can be prepared to lender, SBA and ASTM formats for acquisitions and refinancing.
How do I get a quote?
Call (855) 559-1099 or submit the quote form with the property address and service needed. We respond with a fixed-fee proposal.
Phase I Environmental Site Assessment
How long is a Phase I ESA valid?
Under ASTM E1527-21, a Phase I is considered viable for 180 days from the earliest key component date, and certain components can be updated for up to one year.
Does a Phase I include sampling?
No. A Phase I is a non-intrusive assessment. If RECs are identified, a Phase II ESA with soil, groundwater or soil-vapor sampling may be recommended.
Will my lender accept your report?
Reports are prepared to ASTM E1527-21 and can be formatted to lender and SBA requirements. Share your lender's scope and we will match it.
Phase II Environmental Site Assessment
How much does a Phase II cost?
Cost depends on the number of borings, media sampled and lab analyses. We provide a fixed-scope proposal after reviewing the Phase I.
What happens if contamination is found?
Results are compared to regulatory screening levels. If levels are exceeded, further delineation or a Phase III remediation plan may be recommended and regulators may need to be notified.
Phase III Environmental Site Assessment
Is Phase III the same as remediation?
Phase III covers characterization, planning and oversight of remediation. Physical cleanup work is performed by licensed contractors under that plan.
Can a property be sold during Phase III?
Yes. Many transactions close with escrow holdbacks, indemnities or environmental insurance while remediation continues.
Commercial Mold Inspection
Do you perform mold remediation?
No. To avoid conflicts of interest we inspect, write protocols and perform clearance testing; remediation is completed by independent contractors.
Commercial Asbestos Inspection
Do I need an asbestos survey before remodeling?
In most Southern California jurisdictions, yes — air districts such as SDAPCD and SCAQMD require a survey before disturbing building materials in commercial buildings.
Commercial Lead Inspection
What is XRF testing?
X-ray fluorescence (XRF) is a non-destructive method that measures lead content in painted surfaces in seconds, without removing paint.