Due Diligence Investigation
Scopus conducts Environmental Due Diligence investigations designed to identify and avoid “hidden” liability issues or misleading claims. This process is typically performed in conjunction with business mergers, acquisitions, and investment in technology. Typically, these investigations are planned and developed to meet our client’s stated needs and protect their liability from past incidents that may become grounds for future legal responsibility. Each assessment is customized to meet the “All Appropriate” Inquiry requirements of the “Innocent Landowner” Defense under the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) provisions of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA).
Environmental Site Assessment
This assessment is the basic tool used to meet the primary need of a buyer of real estate and to identify potential or existing environmental contamination. It is conducted in accordance with the ASTM Standard. The investigation includes the underlying land as well as the physical improvement to the property. Actual collection of environmental samples is usually not included with this assessment.
The review primarily consists of an examination and appraisal of existing government data bases accompanied by interviews of current and past owners. Visual observations of the property are made by experienced Scopus Consultants to identify potential for mold, mildew, asbestos, hazardous chemical contamination and indoor air quality issues.
This assessment is considered the first step in the ESA. Information derived from this process is evaluated and presented to our client with recommended additional investigations, if any, based on the findings.
Environmental Site Assessment
This phase includes actual collection, analysis, and evaluation of various potential environmental liabilities identified in the Phase I ESA. It is conducted in accordance with the provisions of ASTM Standard Practice and other applicable EPA and State requirements. Environmental samples collected may include samples of soil, air, and building materials.
