Brownfields Phase 1

Environmental Assessments

A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is a report that identifies potential or existing environmental contamination on properties often referred to as brownfield sites. The analysis typically addresses both the underlying land as well as physical improvements to the property.

Below you will find links to ESAs for the ten (10) City owned properties in the EPA City of Auburn Brownfields program.

A full Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment follows the American Society of Testing and materials (ASTM) guidelines known as ASTM-E-1527-05 and includes but is not limited to the following:

  • Database/records review of all available sources in Federal, State, County and municipal records of recognized environmental conditions.
  • Historical land use research.
  • Site inspection including surrounding properties.
  • Interview with property owner, occupants and possible neighbors.
  • Documentation questionnaire.
  • Photographs of property and surrounding property.
  • Geologic characteristic of property, soils, surface and groundwater.
  • Aerial photographs and Sanborn Maps.
  • Other relevant documents such as tax maps, title records, zoning and land use records, building department records.

If a site is considered contaminated, a Phase II environmental site assessment may be conducted including a more detailed investigation involving chemical analysis for hazardous substances and/or petroleum hydrocarbons.