Written by John Tanaka, P.E., Senior Engineer and Remediation Practice Lead at BBJ Group
By BBJ Group September 18, 2019
Written by John Tanaka, P.E., Senior Engineer and Remediation Practice Lead at BBJ Group
Real estate transactions that identify Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs) during a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) often require preparation of a cost estimate for investigation, remediation and site closure. However, stakeholders often have very little data from these RECs before a decision needs to be made whether to proceed with the real estate transaction. Also, such estimates are often shared with little or no details on the assumptions used, which can lead to disagreements between buyer and seller. This blog examines how to develop a useful and defensible cost estimate during initial due diligence.
After a Phase I ESA, if there are numerous uncertainties concerning RECs, it may be difficult to develop an accurate remediation cost estimate. However, this does not mean that an estimate cannot be performed, but rather that the type and degree of uncertainties need to be defined. Experience of the estimator is important, but regardless of how estimates are developed, the purpose of the estimate should be explained, documented and reproducible, which allows stakeholders to understand the risk and evaluate potential changes in cost if additional information becomes available. An environmental cost estimating standard published by provides a good framework;[1] a basic methodology for initial due diligence is discussed below.
Assume that a Phase I ESA for a commercial property identifies these RECs: 1) potential releases from an indoor solvent source; and 2) known groundwater contamination from an upgradient off-site source. Also, assume that:
The remediation cost estimate for this example might include the following elements:
Cost ranges for individual project elements can be developed using unit costs from similar projects and prior experience, but remediation cost estimates developed during initial due diligence are often most sensitive to the following factors:
When conducting cost estimates during initial due diligence, keep in mind the following:
[1] ASTM E2173-17: Standard Guide for Estimating Monetary Costs and Liabilities for Environmental Matters. This standard includes a more detailed approach than described in this blog, but at this stage in due diligence, relatively simple estimating is usually appropriate.
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