Phase II Environmental Site Assessment NJ

Phase II Environmental Site Assessments: Protecting Your Investment in New Jersey

October 01, 20251 min read

As a commercial buyer or investor in New Jersey, your biggest concern is avoiding

hidden costs that can derail returns. A Phase II ESA is your best defense against

unexpected environmental liabilities that can drain capital and delay redevelopment.

What is a Phase II ESA?

A Phase II ESA involves collecting soil, groundwater, or vapor samples to confirm

whether contamination exists on a property.

Phase II ESAs follow ASTM protocols and are guided by the NJDEP’s Technical

Requirements for Site Remediation.

Why Investors Should Never Skip a Phase II ESA

 Unseen Costs: Contamination can cost tens of thousands—or even millions—to remediate

 Deal Protection: Confirms you’re not overpaying for a property with hidden risks

 Financing Confidence: Lenders are more likely to approve loans with a

complete, NJDEP-compliant report

Common Issues Identified in Phase II Testing

 Petroleum contamination from underground storage tanks (USTs)

 Solvent contamination from dry cleaning operations

 Heavy metals from industrial activity

 Vapor intrusion risks from volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

What If Contamination Is Found?

Finding contamination doesn’t always mean the deal is lost. Oak provides:

 Clear cost estimates for negotiation leverage

Remediation strategies that preserve ROI

 Defensible NJDEP reports to protect your investment

Make informed investment decisions.

Contact Oak Environmental today to schedule a Phase II ESA and protect your capital before closing.

NJDEP environmental compliance check

Back to Blog