<P> In the United Kingdom contaminated land regulation is outlined in the Environment Act 1995 . The Environment Agency of England and Wales have produced a set of guidance; CLEA a standardized approach to the assessment of land contamination . A Phase 1 Desktop Study is often required in support of a planning application . In the UK these reports must be assembled by a "competent person". </P> <P> There are several other report types that have some resemblance in name or degree of detail to the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment: </P> <P> Phase II Environmental Site Assessment is an "intrusive" investigation which collects original samples of soil, groundwater or building materials to analyze for quantitative values of various contaminants . This investigation is normally undertaken when a Phase I ESA determines a likelihood of site contamination . The most frequent substances tested are petroleum hydrocarbons, heavy metals, pesticides, solvents, asbestos and mold . </P> <P> Phase III Environmental Site Assessment is an investigation involving remediation of a site . Phase III investigations aim to delineate the physical extent of contamination based on recommendations made in Phase II assessments . Phase III investigations may involve intensive testing, sampling, and monitoring, "fate and transport" studies and other modeling, and the design of feasibility studies for remediation and remedial plans . This study normally involves assessment of alternative cleanup methods, costs and logistics . The associated reportage details the steps taken to perform site cleanup and the follow - up monitoring for residual contaminants . </P>

What is a phase i environmental site assessment