Back to all services

Environmental Transaction Screen (ETS) – ASTM E1528

Environmental Transaction Screen (ETS) – ASTM E1528
An Environmental Transaction Screen (ETS) is a streamlined environmental due diligence tool developed under ASTM E1528. It is designed for use in low-risk property transactions where the likelihood of contamination is minimal and liability protection under CERCLA is not required.
Rather than conducting a full Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA), the ETS offers a faster, lower-cost option for identifying readily observable or known environmental concerns. At Moran Consultants, our ETS process includes:
  • A visual inspection of the property by a qualified environmental professional or trained personnel
  • Completion of the ASTM-compliant Transaction Screen Questionnaire, which captures information from the site visit, available documents, and user knowledge
  • A limited review of readily available records, such as one historical source (e.g., aerial photograph or fire insurance map) and basic environmental database summaries, if accessible
  • A professional opinion on whether the findings warrant additional investigation or escalation to a Phase I ESA

An ETS may be appropriate when:
  • The property has a low-risk use history (e.g., undeveloped land, residential, office)
  • There is no known history of hazardous materials use, storage, or releases
  • You do not need CERCLA liability protection or to comply with the All Appropriate Inquiries (AAI) rule
  • You need a quick, preliminary screening to inform an early-stage decision
  • You are performing internal due diligence without external lender or investor requirements that may require a full Phase I ESA
While an ETS does not meet the threshold for legal liability protection, it can be a practical first step in risk evaluation. If red flags are identified during the ETS, Moran Consultants can assist in transitioning to a full Phase I ESA to further assess and mitigate potential environmental risks.

What’s Included:
Best For:
  • Quick red-flag screening
Regulatory + Historical Desktop Review
What’s Included:
  • Review of readily available historical sources such as aerial photographs, fire insurance maps (Sanborns), and city directories
  • Evaluation of historical property uses and surrounding development
Best For:
These Desktop Reviews are flexible, faster, and more cost-effective than a full Phase I ESA—but are intended only as screening tools and do not offer liability protection under CERCLA.

When it comes to ESAs, you need the service of a reliable company with Environmental Professionals (EPs) that have a strong reputation. Moran Consultants personnel are highly educated and trained, with decades of environmental experience in the industry. Equipped with industry knowledge, our consultants can empower you with the right information to give you peace of mind.

Moran Consultants follows the industry standard, ASTM E1527 guideline; however, it is important to note that the guideline is only the baseline, as Phase I ESAs can be tailored to include more information upon request, such as projects with Fannie Mae, Freddie, Mac, The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and similar scopes. In addition to the services listed above, our team of professionals can screen for the potential of asbestos-containing materials, lead-based paint, radon, suspect mold, and the presence of lead in drinking water at a property.

 

Do you need a Phase I ESA? Let our trained and dedicated professionals provide you with the right information to protect your interests. Call us today 866-553-2329 or contact us online to begin the process and learn how we can help.

Contact Us