Industrial and manufacturing construction in Nashville is growing quickly. In 2024 alone, Nashville saw over 4.2 million square feet of industrial space under construction, with demand continuing to rise. This surge brings exciting opportunities but also heightened awareness of environmental regulations. For industrial projects, compliance is a core component of successful project delivery. Everything from safety and schedules to future expansion and long-term sustainability must be considered.
One of the most important steps when planning an industrial project is conducting an Environmental Site Assessment (ESA). While Metro Nashville doesn’t require ESAs for all industrial developments, they are strongly recommended, especially when purchasing or redeveloping industrial property.
Environmental Site Assessments Provide Valuable Information For Industrial Construction Projects
With over 90 years of construction experience in Nashville, our team has navigated some of the toughest industrial construction challenges. In this post, we’ll break down what you need to know about ESAs and how we help our clients address potential environmental risks.
What is an Environmental Site Assessment?
Think of an ESA as a health check for your land. Before breaking ground, it’s vital to understand what lies beneath the surface. Hidden environmental hazards can lead to unexpected costs and major delays. Detecting contamination early helps us fix it immediately, saving you money and preventing potential delays.
What are the Two Types of Assessments and When Are They Needed?
There are two main types of ESAs: Phase I and Phase II. Understanding their differences is key.
Phase I ESA: Identifying Potential Risks
A Phase I ESA is a review of the property’s history and surrounding areas to determine whether past land use might have caused contamination. Even if your site appears clean, nearby properties could pose a risk.
For example, if you purchase a vacant lot that has never been developed, it may seem safe. However, if a gas station or dry cleaner previously operated next door, your property could still be at risk of contamination.
Phase II ESA: Investigating Environmental Conditions
A Phase II ESA, also known as Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs), involves physical testing of soil and water samples to determine contamination levels.
For example, if an adjacent site previously housed a dry cleaner, a Phase II ESA would include soil borings along the shared property line to check for chemical contamination. If contamination is found, remediation steps must be taken before development can proceed.
In short, Phase I determines if contamination is likely, and Phase II confirms if it’s actually present.
How Does Crain Help Industrial Developers Navigate ESAs?
At Crain Construction, we work closely with environmental consultants to identify potential underground risks early in the process. This helps our clients avoid costly surprises and keep projects on schedule.
One example is the TownePlace Suites Hotel project on Charlotte Pike. During site preparation, testing revealed coal ash and other hazardous materials in the soil. We worked with environmental specialists to flag contaminated areas and ensure proper removal before construction began. This required special permitting and disposal at a certified landfill for contaminated soils. By addressing the issue proactively, we kept the project moving forward without unnecessary delays.
Expert Guidance for Your Nashville Industrial Project
Environmental regulations are an important factor in industrial construction, especially in a fast-growing market like Nashville. Conducting an ESA early in the planning process can help prevent delays, ensure compliance, and protect your investment.
If you’re looking for a contractor with deep knowledge of Nashville’s unique construction landscape, Crain Construction can help. Learn more about our experience or explore our projects to see how we’ve helped developers navigate complex construction challenges.
