Due diligence

We offer an array of due diligence related services that allow you to evaluate a potential asset for purchase. We've worked with a variety of clients including property owners looking to refinance, lending institutions, environmental attorneys, real estate investors, and real estate agents.  

Desktop Review

Are you considering going under contract on a particular asset and want to know ahead of time whether there are environmental concerns at the site? Empower offers a proprietary desktop review service that gives you a qualitative assessment of the site and an opinion on potential environmental risks. We will evaluate the site and surrounding area in publicly available databases and any documents provided by you. You'll walk away with a summary and qualitative risk rating that will enable you to more confidently come to the negotiating table. 

Phase I Environmental Site Assessment

Completing a Phase I ESA during the due diligence period ahead of a real estate transaction protects you and your investment. We follow ASTM 1527E-21 when evaluating a site that consists of the following:

• An evaluation of the site history including a review of historical maps and aerial photographs
• A review of publicly-available documents from local, state, and federal regulatory agencies. although not as common with recent updates to NJDEP's DataMiner website, Empower can complete in-person file reviews at NJDEP of older case files
• A site reconnaissance that documents the current condition
• A review of contaminants of emerging concern such as PFAS
• A comprehensive report that identifies any Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs) and provides recommendations related to the findings

We have experience completing Phase I ESAs for both private entities and institutional lenders. Empower can provide a reliance letter if required by your lending institution. 

Phase II ESA

A Phase II ESA consists of an on-site investigation to evaluate RECs identified during the Phase I ESA. The purpose of the Phase II ESA is to determine if the RECs identified during the Phase I ESA have impacted the site. A Phase II ESA may consist of a ground penetrating radar (GPR) survey to assess for potential underground features like underground storage tanks (USTs) and clear proposed boring locations prior to drilling. Soil, groundwater, soil vapor, and/or indoor air samples may be collected to evaluate the site depending on the RECs being evaluated. We compare all data to applicable standards and provide a comprehensive written report that enumerates the Phase I ESA findings, Phase II methodology, findings, and conclusions.