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The Environment

Insight and understanding that only a Licensed Engineer can provide
Over 80,000 inspections performed since 1968

Because environmental issues have been the subject of many media articles, the public’s consciousness has been raised.  As a result, many prospective home and building buyers are concerned about how these issues will affect their purchases.

Unfortunately, thousand of dollars can be spent testing for even the simplest of environmental concerns.  This sort of extensive testing is generally cost prohibitive, and is neither recommended nor needed for home purchases.  Although most banks require Phase I environmental surveys to be conducted on buildings, they are usually not required on residential homes, condominium units, or cooperative units.

Today, many buyers have specific concerns that include water contamination, radon gas, asbestos, UFFI, lead-based paint, oil leaks, and indoor air quality.  Depend upon Heimer Engineering to make you aware of common environmental risks, and to provide you with guidance as to how to seek solutions.

Environmental Concerns

Below is a list of common questions prospective home and building buyers ask about environmental issues.

	Click on any question to find the answer:
	Is the water contaminated?  Should the water be tested?  Is well water a problem?  Is there lead in the water?
	Is there a problem with radon gas?  Is a radon screening test recommended?
	Is there asbestos-containing material in the building?  What is friable asbestos?  What should I do if asbestos-containing material is found?
	What is UFFI?  Is UFFI still a problem?
	Is there lead-based paint in the building?  How will lead-based paint affect my children’s health?
	Has there been an oil leak?  Should the oil tank be tested?
	What is indoor air quality?  Should I test the indoor air quality?  Should I be concerned about mold?
	What is a Phase I environmental survey?  Do I need a Phase I environmental survey on my building?
	Is my house or building in a contaminated area?  Can I get a map of contaminated areas?

The EPA

There is a lot of information available on the web regarding environmental issues.  If you would like more information, start at the EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) web site for the information you desire.

What you can do if you are concerned
about environmental issues

You could spend thousands of dollars for environmental testing with no significant results.  Do not perform tests until you are reasonably certain that you want to purchase the house or building.  Then, decide what tests are needed based upon the location and condition of the building, any medical conditions or allergies you have, and the Heimer Engineering's advice.  Every building and community is unique.  Do not have a test just because it sounds like a good idea or because a friend or relative suggested the test.

Maps of
Known Environmental Hazards

The EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) has maps of known environmental hazards available at no charge to the general public.  Click here to go the the EPA EnviroMapper.  Enter the zip code of the house or building you are buying, and you will see a map of known environmental hazards in the area, as well as other EPA registered sites.
 

Call 800.640.8090, or click here to contact Heimer Engineering 24/7.

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This page was last reviewed on February 26, 2008.
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