ART was retained as a consultant to perform numerous Phase I environmental site assessments of properties of interest (i.e. agricultural and retail) to evaluate whether potential environmental issues may impact the subject properties. The Phase I’s were conducted according to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Phase I standard practice (Doc. E 1527-05). The Phase I’s were used by the Client to make decisions on property transfers. The purpose of the Phase I is to identify “recognized environmental conditions” in connection with a site. Recognized environmental conditions are defined as the presence, or likely presence, of hazardous substances or petroleum products on the site that could indicate an existing release, a past release, or a material threat of a release of hazardous substances or petroleum products into property structures, surface water, ground, or groundwater.