Project Overview
Caltha LLP recently completed a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment for a commercial property in Brookings County in east South Dakota. The assessment was conducted as part of the client’s due‑diligence process prior to purchase and redevelop land.
Client Need / Problem Statement
The client required a clear understanding of historical land use and potential environmental concerns associated with the property. Because the site is located within a urban area with developed uses dating back to 1880, the likelihood of historical operations with environmental impacts needed to be evaluated. The Phase I ESA was commissioned to determine whether Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs) were present.
Scope of Work Performed
Caltha LLP conducted a full ASTM‑compliant Phase I ESA, including:
- Review of historical aerial photographs, fire insurance maps, and city directories
- Regulatory database review for nearby contamination sites
- On‑site reconnaissance of the property and surrounding parcels
- Interviews and records research related to past operations
- Evaluation of potential impacts from adjoining and nearby properties
Key site‑specific finding:
- The assessment located several past underground tanks which had been located within the street; installing USTs in the right-of-way was common in the early 1900s
Key Findings & Outcomes
- The main environmental liability identified was due to an existing structure on the property which had been used for storage and was in very poor condition.
- Although the existing structure was to be demolished, concerns about residual PCBs and lead remained associated with building materials
- The Phase I ESA provided the client with a clear understanding of potential environmental liabilities and informed their next steps regarding acquisition and redevelopment.
Why This Matters for Similar Facilities
Properties in South Dakota often have historical commercial or industrial uses that may have impacted soil or groundwater. Buyers of properties with current or past commercial uses frequently face:
- Unknown historical operations
- Adjacent parcels with legacy contamination
- VOC or petroleum impacts migrating through groundwater
- The need for defensible environmental due diligence
This project demonstrates how Phase I ESA findings can significantly influence redevelopment planning and risk management.
Caltha LLP Services Used
- Phase I Environmental Site Assessments
- Environmental Due Diligence
- Regulatory Database Review
- Historical Land Use Research
- Contaminated Site Evaluation
Learn More / Contact Us
Organizations purchasing or redeveloping commercial properties in the Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota & Iowa can contact Caltha LLP to discuss Phase I ESA services and environmental due‑diligence support. You can also request a quote for Phase 1 ESA services using an on-line form.