Final answer:
During Phase 1 of an ESA, a certified environmental site assessor conducts a detailed visual inspection of the property, taking notes on various factors and anomalies, and often supplementing with sketches, photographs, or video recordings.
Step-by-step explanation:
A certified environmental site assessor during Phase 1 of an Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) undertakes a thorough examination of a property to identify any existing or potential environmental contamination liabilities. This typically involves a visual inspection of the site to document the color, shape, size, texture, and arrangement of the surroundings. An assessor must be detail-oriented, taking precise notes and paying special attention to any anomalies.
The use of visual aids, such as sketches, photographs, or videotaping is highly recommended, as they are excellent memory aids. If an assessor chooses to speak their notes into a recording device, they can capture the characteristic sounds of the site, which could be pertinent to the assessment.