Phase I & Phase II Environmental Site Assessments for Real Estate and Business Acquisitions
Ramtox provides environmental due diligence services supporting real estate transactions and business acquisitions throughout California. We assist buyers, investors, lenders, and legal teams in identifying environmental regulatory risk, permit status, compliance history, and potential liabilities prior to closing.
Environmental due diligence may be required for acquisitions, refinancing, portfolio transactions, redevelopment planning, and other transactions where environmental conditions or regulatory obligations could affect property value, financing, operations, or future land use.
Due Diligence Scope
Ramtox evaluates environmental considerations relevant to the transaction and the site’s operational profile. Reviews may include:
- Environmental permits and regulatory filings
- Compliance history, inspection records, and enforcement activity
- Open violations, notices of violation, and unresolved corrective actions
- Program gaps, expired permits, or missing registrations
- Environmental factors that may affect financing, redevelopment feasibility, or ongoing operations
Scope is tailored to the asset type, intended use, lender/investor requirements, and transaction schedule.
Phase I ESA and AAI Compliance
Ramtox performs and coordinates Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESA) consistent with All Appropriate Inquiries (AAI) and the ASTM E1527‑21 standard. EPA recognizes ASTM E1527‑21 as consistent with AAI requirements for Phase I ESA purposes.
Phase I ESA typically includes:
- Records review and database research
- Site reconnaissance
- Interviews (as applicable)
- Identification of Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs) and related findings
- Conclusions and recommendations for next steps
Phase I ESAs are commonly used to inform risk decisions and support liability considerations under CERCLA when properly completed and used as part of the acquisition process.
Phase II ESA Scoping and Coordination
When Phase I findings indicate a potential concern, Ramtox can scope and coordinate a Phase II ESA to evaluate conditions through targeted sampling and analysis. Phase II scopes vary by site and may include soil, groundwater, or vapor-related investigation as appropriate to the identified issue and transaction objectives.
Regulatory and Compliance Review
When requested or appropriate for the transaction, Ramtox provides regulatory-focused due diligence to clarify compliance status and identify potential operational obligations.
Regulated programs reviewed (as applicable):
hazardous materials permits and compliance, hazardous waste management, air permitting, water quality and stormwater compliance, UST/AST regulatory requirements, and land‑use or redevelopment constraints.
This review may include evaluation of available documentation, inspection history, enforcement records, and the status of any ongoing corrective actions or agency requirements.
Industries and Property Types
Ramtox supports due diligence across regulated sectors and transaction types, including:
- Industrial and manufacturing facilities
- Fuel storage and petroleum-related facilities
- Chemical and hazardous materials operations
- Stormwater-regulated sites
- Healthcare, technology, and data centers
- Commercial real estate transactions requiring Phase I and Phase II ESAs
Transaction Support
Ramtox supports transactions at multiple stages, including:
- Pre-acquisition due diligence planning and scope development
- Coordination with environmental counsel, lenders, and transaction teams
- Phase II investigation planning when indicated
- Post-acquisition compliance support and permitting assistance (as applicable)
Meet Our Experts
Ramtox’s environmental consulting services are supported by a highly qualified leadership and technical team:
- George Sarkiss Zoumalan — CFO, Director of Environmental Services & Health and Safety Program Manager; NREP Certified Registered Environmental Property Assessor
- Charleen Ternian — CEO, Ramtox Corporation; Director of Operations
- Marina Petrosyan — Stormwater Compliance Program Manager; SPCC and APSA Specialist
- Bianca Golpashin — Stormwater Compliance, CERS, and SMARTS Specialist
- Thomas Hall — Underground and Aboveground Petroleum Tank Compliance Specialist
- Tony Kiani — UST/AST Compliance and AQMD Testing & Inspection Specialist
- Amy Ablakat — Environmental Impact Consultant; Land Development Specialist
- Victor Duran — UST/AST Removal and Installation Specialist; Regulatory Compliance with Local Fire Departments and CUPAs
- Don Keller — Registered Geologist; Phase I & Phase II Environmental Site Assessment Specialist
- Yonan Benjamin — Certified Industrial Hygienist; Occupational Health and Safety Specialist; Certified in Asbestos, Mold, and Lead
- Scott O’Canner — Licensed Civil Engineer; Site Development, Grading, Drainage, and Stormwater Regulatory Reporting; CEQA Support
- Kamal Sadeghi — Civil and Professional Structural Engineer; Structural Design, Analysis, and Safety Evaluation