A Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is a process used to identify potential environmental contamination at a property. The specific requirements for a Phase 1 ESA vary from state to state, and in some cases, from county to county. In Kansas City, Missouri, there are a few specific factors that can make a Phase 1 ESA different from what is required in other parts of the state.

• History of industrial activity: Kansas City has a long history of industrial activity, which has led to the presence of some hazardous substances in the soil and groundwater. As a result, Phase 1 ESAs in Kansas City often include additional steps to assess the potential for contamination from historical industrial activities.
• Proximity to Superfund sites: There are several Superfund sites located near Kansas City. Superfund sites are areas that have been contaminated with hazardous substances at levels that pose a risk to human health or the environment. As a result, Phase 1 ESAs in Kansas City often include additional steps to assess the potential for contamination from Superfund sites.
• Regulatory requirements: The Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has specific requirements for Phase 1 ESAs. These requirements include a review of historical land use, a review of environmental records, and a physical inspection of the property. In addition, the DNR may require additional testing or analysis if there is a concern about potential contamination.

If you are considering buying or selling property in Kansas City, it is important to have a Phase 1 ESA performed to identify any potential environmental contamination. This information can help you make an informed decision about the property and can help to protect you from liability in the future.

Here are some additional tips for getting a Phase 1 ESA in Kansas City:

• Hire a qualified environmental consultant who is familiar with the requirements of the Missouri DNR.
• Make sure the consultant conducts a thorough review of historical land use, environmental records, and the physical condition of the property.
• Get a copy of the Phase 1 ESA report and review it carefully before making any decisions about the property.

Local Experts weigh in regarding what makes Kansas City unique with regard to Phase I ESAs:

1. Multi-State Involvement: Kansas City, Missouri is only a small portion of the actual metropolitan area of Kansas City. When referring to Kansas City, many people will ask you “Kansas or Missouri?”, and if in North Kansas City, it is considered an entirely different area. With Kansas City, Missouri located right across the State Line Road from the state of Kansas, this multi-state involvement creates a challenge where agencies in two states often need to be contacted.
2. Historical Areas of Concern: The areas of the metro include densely developed and historical areas which will require in-depth historical research and records reviews to newly developed areas closer to the outer areas of the metro that may not need as much research effort to satisfy the new ASTM E1527-21.
3. Territory Adjacent: Assessors in this metropolitan region cover a large area. If based in the KC Metro area you can easily travel to nearby cities for assessments in Omaha, Wichita, Tulsa, and Columbia, and still make it back in a day.

Hiring an experienced professional for your commercial real estate due diligence in the Kansas City area is important.