- An on-site visit is conducted to visually inspect and observe any signs of past and present property uses, as well as the activities on adjacent properties.
- Review of existing database records
- Check prior land usage
- Review of historical aerial photos
- Examination of chain-of-title
- Review of flood plain map
- Interview of persons with knowledge of the property

A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (Phase I ESA) is conducted to investigate both the present and past uses of a property, typically in the context of a commercial real estate transaction. The objective of this report is to determine whether current or historical property activities have had any impact on the soil or groundwater beneath the property, potentially posing environmental and human health risks. The discovery of such issues can create potential liabilities for the lender and/or property owner, and may also influence the property's overall value.