Baseline Environmental Assessment (BEA)

A Baseline Environmental Assessment (BEA) documents the environmental condition of a property at the time of purchase, occupancy, or operation. In Michigan, a properly completed BEA can help establish liability protection for new owners or operators under Part 201 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA).

BEAs are typically performed when contamination is known or suspected and a party seeks to document existing conditions prior to acquisition or redevelopment. When conducted in accordance with regulatory requirements and submitted within the required timeframe, a BEA can help limit responsibility for pre-existing contamination.

Our team coordinates site evaluation, data review, and documentation to support compliance with Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) requirements.

Scope of Services

• Review of available environmental records and prior investigations
• Site inspection and evaluation of known or suspected impacts
• Soil, groundwater, or vapor sampling when necessary to define baseline conditions
• Data analysis and documentation of environmental conditions at the time of acquisition
• Preparation of BEA documentation consistent with Michigan regulatory requirements
• Coordination of BEA submission within statutory deadlines

Who Typically Requires a BEA

• Property purchasers acquiring impacted or potentially impacted sites
• Developers pursuing brownfield redevelopment projects
• Commercial or industrial property operators
• Attorneys advising clients on environmental liability protection
• Organizations seeking to document pre-existing environmental conditions

Common Applications

• Acquisition of properties with known contamination
• Redevelopment of former industrial or commercial facilities
• Transaction support where liability protection is a priority
• Coordination with Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments
• Support for brownfield incentive or redevelopment programs