Former Waste Oil Storage Evaluated Through Phase II Environmental Assessment
Chatsworth, California
Background 
McAlister GeoScience recently completed a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) at a commercial property in Chatsworth, California, following findings identified during a prior Phase I ESA. The property has operated as a machine shop, and the previous assessment noted the presence of waste oil storage containers and staining in portions of the yard area associated with past operations.
As part of the due diligence process, McAlister GeoScience was retained to evaluate whether historical activities had resulted in impacts to subsurface soil conditions. For lenders, buyers, and property stakeholders, follow-up investigations like these are often an important step in reducing uncertainty and helping transactions move forward with confidence.
Environmental Assessment
The scope of work included advancing nine soil borings in areas associated with the machine shop and waste oil storage operations. Soil samples were collected and analyzed for petroleum hydrocarbons and volatile organic compounds commonly associated with automotive and industrial activities.
Although minor staining was observed in one localized area during field activities, laboratory testing did not identify concentrations of petroleum compounds or volatile organic compounds above laboratory detection limits. The investigation found no evidence of impacts associated with historical waste oil storage or former automotive repair activities at the property.
Key Findings
- Soil sampling was completed in targeted areas of environmental concern identified during the Phase I ESA
- Laboratory analysis did not detect petroleum hydrocarbons or volatile organic compounds above applicable detection limits
- No significant environmental impacts associated with former operations were identified
- No additional investigation or corrective action was recommended based on the findings of the assessment
Supporting Comme
rcial Real Estate Transactions
Environmental due diligence is often about identifying risk early and providing clear, defensible information that supports informed decision-making. In this case, the Phase II ESA helped clarify site conditions and confirmed that no further environmental action was warranted at the property.
McAlister GeoScience continues to support lenders, brokers, property owners, and developers with responsive environmental assessments designed to keep transactions moving efficiently while maintaining regulatory and technical rigor.
If your team is evaluating a commercial or industrial property, McAlister GeoScience can help guide the due diligence process from initial assessment through resolution and closure.
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