Diablo Green Consulting, Inc. Blog

ALTA / ASCM Boundary Surveys

admin — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 05:17:27 +0000

An ALTA survey is a boundary survey prepared to a set of minimum standards that have been jointly prepared and adopted by the ALTA/ACSM. Also, an ALTA survey shows improvements, easements, rights-of-way, and other elements impacting the ownership of land. An ALTA Survey is often prepared for commercial properties, as it will provide the title company with the information required to insure the title to the land and improvements to the high degree that a commercial development may require.

Phase II Subsurface Investigations

admin — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 05:03:40 +0000

The purpose of the Phase II Subsurface Investigation is to assess whether identified historic on-site or off-site hazardous uses have impacted the soil and or groundwater conditions beneath a property. Possible historical uses that may be of concern include gasoline fueling stations and dry cleaning facilities. Both uses involve chemicals and compounds known to quickly move through soil and into ground water. Performing a Phase II investigation can let you know what chemicals exist and in what quantities.

Environmental Site Assessments

admin — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 22:26:30 +0000

On November 18, 2005, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) released a new standard entitled “Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process” (ASTM Standard E1527-05). The purpose of this practice is to define good commercial and customary practice in the U.S. for conducting an environmental site assessment of a parcel of commercial real estate with respect to the range of contaminants within the scope of Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) (42 U.S.C. 9601) and petroleum products. As such, this practice is intended to permit a user to satisfy one of the requirements to qualify for the innocent landowner, contiguous property owner, or bona fide prospective purchaser limitations on CERCLA liability.

What the bank may require

admin — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 05:56:45 +0000

No matter what the economy is doing, it’s always a good idea to own the building that you operate your business from. Choosing the type of property or space that’s right for your business is something that only you and your management can do. One of the important details to keep in mind as you begin to narrow down your search is the environmental health of the property and building your new space may be located in or on. Since most small businesses obtain a loan from the SBA to finance the purchase of their building, you should know that the bank handling the SBA loan for you will most likely require a Phase I ESA or at least a Transaction Screen before authorizing the funds for the loan. This environmental due diligence clearly protects the financial insterests of the bank, though it also provides another data point for a prudent buyer. Knowing more about an invenstment prior to buying never hurt anyone and you shouldn’t consider the process a speed bump. Choosing the right environmental consulting firm for your environmental due diligence is as important as choosing a good building inspector.

Nesting Bird Survey

admin — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 07:57:01 +0000

We receive inquiries on a regular basis regarding bird and other wildlife surveys. Keep in mind that birds only nest from February to September, so if your disturbance falls outside of those months, then your not likely to displace any nesting birds. If your project falls within the February to September months and you beleive you’ve seen a bird nesting in a tree that you want to disturb, then you’ll want to inquire about a biological survey to either confirm or deny your suspicions.

Environmental Consulting

admin — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 23:04:07 +0000

DGC can assist you with a property transaction by preparing the environmental documentation that a bank will need to authorize funding on a site. DGC has experience with the preparation of Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessments and transaction screen assessments, both in accordance with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). We can complete assessments within a fast turn around schedule, most commonly within 1-2 weeks. This time frame depends upon availability of local regulatory records, and some cities and counties may require additional time to complete research. We will certainly do all that we can to ensure that you are satisfied and that you receive a quality, complete document in order to proceed with your property transaction. We hope to help you in the future!

Consulting for Business

admin — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 22:58:12 +0000

Diablo Green Consulting, dba DGC Associates Inc., is located in Pleasanton, California, in the East Bay of the San Francsico Bay Area. We specialize in environmental consulting services including the completion of Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessments, NEPA and CEQA land use investigations, transaction screen assessments, archaeological and biological surveys, etc. All Phase I ESA and transaction screen assessments are completed in accordance with the most recently updated American Soeciety for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards, dated 2005 and 2006, respectively. We would greatly appreciate the opportunity to assist you with your property transaction!