How do we prepare our Phase I ESA cost proposals?

The following scenarios will apply to the majority of proposals that we prepare for Phase I ESAs:

Normally, if the site is located within approximately 50 miles of Ashland Kentucky, we will conduct a drive-by to evaluate the subject property in order to estimate the level of investigation required and thus help us to determine a fair and accurate cost proposal.

If the drive-by reveals "normal" conditions that aren't expected to require investigation efforts that are over and above that of a "normal" assessment, then the proposal will be our current base cost. In this case a not-to-exceed cost will not be provided, as the base cost will be the not-to-exceed cost.

If the drive-by reveals a significant potential for a more extensive investigation, then the cost proposal will be adjusted by either raising the initial cost above the base cost and/or including a not-to-exceed cost (usually about $300 over the current base cost) in addition to the initial proposed cost.

If the site is located further than 50 miles from Ashland, a preliminary "check" of the property will be conducted to help predict the level of investigation that will be required. If client information and the additional information obtained suggest that "normal" conditions appear to exist, then the base cost will be proposed with a not-to-exceed cost (usually about $300 over the current base cost). If the site is further than 150 miles from Ashland, however, an additional travel cost will also be added to the base cost.

If the information above suggests that more extensive investigation will be required, then the cost proposal will be adjusted by raising the initial cost above the base cost and/or including a not-to-exceed cost (usually about $300 over the current base cost) in addition to the initial proposed cost. Again, if the site is further than 150 miles from Ashland, an additional travel cost will also be added to the base cost.

There are other circumstances and situations that may require a thorough walk-through of the site in order to determine the cost for a Phase I assessment. These situations would include, but not be limited to very extensive properties, or properties that are currently or were historically large industrial facilities. These properties will have to be inspected and proposed on a site-by-site basis. The site inspections in such cases, will be conducted at no cost to the client.