Areas of Practice
FMC Environmental Consulting specializes in environmental assessment of commercial and industrial real estate. We bring together a host of resources to meet your project’s environmental needs.
ENVIRONMENTAL RISK COUNSELING
Environmental problem review and troubleshooting translates to helping clients quantify the environmental risk of a property and balancing their own risk tolerance against site-specific realities. Every property has its own character, and every client has a different tolerance for risk. FMC understands that those differences are what make each client unique. We take the time to make sure each client has both the results AND an understanding of what they mean to make the best decisions about their next steps.
PHASE I ENVIRONMENTAL SITE ASSESSMENT
The “Gold Standard” of environmental assessment for commercial and industrial real estate, a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) provides the client with maximum protection and confidence in their due diligence. Conducted in accordance with an international standard (ASTM E1527-13), an FMC Phase I ESA provides the client with a comprehensive picture of the current and historical environmental circumstances of their site. It meets the requirements for environmental liability “innocent landowner” defense under 40 CFR §312. FMC Environmental Consulting has longstanding experience customizing Phase I ESAs to the specific requirements of state and federal lending programs and bank requirements.
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION SEMINARS
The environmental risks associated with commercial and industrial real estate can take time to understand. What may appear as a deal-killing property history can often be worked through when armed with the right information. At the same time, the seemingly benign may present risk that is best avoided. FMC provides large and small group educational presentations on topics ranging from "choosing the right risk management product for your site" to "tell-tale signs of high-risk properties."
RSRA & INFORMAL RECORDS SEARCHES
For properties with a low potential for environmental risk a cursory environmental investigation may be the right tool. In such cases, a Small Business Administration Records Search with Risk Assessment (RSRA) or a simple review of environmental site records may provide the client with sufficient comfort to move forward with minimal cost and delay. The key is to leave no critical stone unturned. FMC works with clients to determine if their interests are best served by this very cursory approach.
PHASE II ENVIRONMENTAL SITE ASSESSMENT
For properties with a history of environmentally high-risk activities or documented hazardous conditions, a Phase II Environmental Assessment may be warranted to ensure clients have a full grasp of both visible and hidden risks before a deal is signed. Phase II ESAs can take the form of sampling and analysis of soil, groundwater, surface water, or soil vapor, and may involve additional review of agency records. FMC takes a tightly focused approach to getting the client the Phase II ESA data they need, without unnecessary expenditures or disruption to site operations.
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSACTION SCREEN
Governed by the international ASTM E1528-14 standard, an Environmental Transaction Screen provides clients with a concise summary of the historical and environmental details of the property, while keeping costs and delay to a minimum. With an Environmental Transaction Screen, FMC provides a deeper dive into the history of the property. An Environmental Transaction Screen can provide a cost-effective site summary for clients who do not require more comprehensive liability protection.
FORMAL ENVIRONMENTAL FILE REVIEW
Properties with a complicated environmental history often generate thousands of pages of local, state, and federal records. Getting your arms around these records can be crucial to understanding the risks of becoming involved with a property. FMC has the experience to know which records are vital and will “sift the wheat from the chaff,” providing clients with a concise summary of the property’s critical details.
STORAGE TANK REMOVAL AND REGULATORY INVESTIGATIONS
Environmental investigation of current and prior underground storage tanks (USTs) can be an issue filled with uncertainty. Improper handling of tank removal can inadvertently run afoul of state regulatory requirements, resulting in costly corrective actions and additional delay. FMC helps clients navigate the complexities of UST investigation by mobilizing our resources and bringing these complicated projects to completion.