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Amazon’s Warehouses Need Phase I ESAs too

Entry by JoeDerhake

Entry

 

Industrial properties are expected to be a hot sector in 2013 – in part due to the increase in eCommerce and the resulting need for warehousing facilities near transportation hubs to handle the distribution of goods purchased online. 

My colleague Jay Grenfell recently wrote a blog on industrial properties and environmental risk, including some hot button items to look for during the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment

One important point he makes to consider regarding newer or perceived “lower risk” distribution facilities: 

“Although the demand is for new high tech distribution facilities capable of handling modern transportation and distribution requirements, it is common for newer distribution facilities to be constructed on sites with a history of industrial use.  Understanding the historical use of the property with respect to environmental risk is accomplished through a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, which identifies historical tenant operations and includes a review of regulatory agency records to further assess former operations and identify potential issues.”

Another important consideration during a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment on industrial property is whether any environmental liens or activity and use limitations may be present, as liens and use limitations are more common with industrial properties.    

Check out Jay’s full blog here:  “Industrial Properties and Environmental Risk.”

Keywords

Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, Phase I ESA, industrial property, distribution facilities, environmental risk

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Avatar of Joe Derhake, PE
Education: MBA, University of Southern California BS, Civil Engineering, Michigan State University Registrations: Registered Professional Civil Engineer, California Registered Professional Civil Engineer, Arizona Registered Professional Civil Engineer, Tennessee EPA Accredited Asbestos Inspector, Management Planner Designer (not current) Affiliations: Member, Enviornmental Banker's Association Member, Mortgage Banker's Association Mr. Derhake serves as the President of Partner Engineering and Science, a national engineering and enviornmental consulting firm. He has over 10,000 real estate transactions throughout his career. His due diligence resume includes experience at all levels, including advising lenders and real estate investors through the following product types: Phase I Enviornmental Site Assessments, Phase II Subsurface Investigations, Phase III Site Characterizations, Remedial Cost Estimates, and Enviornmental Transaction Screens. Mr. Derhake has a significant portfolio of closed sites and speaks regularly at industry events and conferences.

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