What is a pre-Phase I environmental screen?
A pre-Phase I screen is a desk review of public environmental records, historical aerial photos and maps, and flood data for one property. It tells you, before you make an offer, whether the site looks clean, whether a Phase I is likely to find something and where, and how exposed the buildings are to flooding. It is not a Phase I and does not meet ASTM E1527-21.
What it checks
Federal and state lists of contaminated sites, leaking tanks and hazardous waste handlers near the property; what stood on and around the site over the decades, from aerial photos and fire insurance maps; and the FEMA flood zone under each building, plus flood claims nearby.
Every item is marked as checked, not found, or not checked. A source we couldn't reach is listed as a gap, never as a clean result.
What it doesn't do
No site visit, no interviews, no soil or water samples, and no environmental professional's signature. That is why it doesn't count toward All Appropriate Inquiries and why lenders won't accept it in place of a Phase I.
Who it's for
Buyers of small commercial buildings (storage, industrial, retail, land) who look at many deals, and brokers who want a quick read before listing.
Check a property’s flood zone free
Type the address. See the FEMA flood zone and map, free. Add your email to see which buildings sit in the flood area.
Read next
- See a sample report
- Pricing and FAQ
- Check a property's flood risk free
- How much does a Phase I environmental site assessment cost?
- Do I need a Phase I environmental site assessment to buy a commercial property?
- How do I look up a property's FEMA flood zone?
- How do I check flood risk for a specific address?
Sources (checked 2026-11-10)