Environmental Clearance for Industrial Property Transfer

Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment - Michigan
Detroit, Michigan

Project Need


A prospective buyer sought to acquire a 1.14-acre property in Trenton, Michigan, that had known heavy metal contamination risks due to former industrial usage. In order to qualify for liability protection under Michigan’s environmental laws, the buyer needed to conduct a Baseline Environmental Assessment (BEA) and submit documentation to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) before taking ownership.

Services Completed


Lord & Winter performed a targeted site characterization to support the BEA. This included soil, groundwater, and soil vapor sampling for petroleum compounds, RCRA metals, VOCs, SVOCs, PCBs, and PFAS. Two geoprobe borings were installed to collect samples, and a vapor intrusion screening was completed. The findings were compiled into a BEA report, uploaded to EGLE through the state’s RIDE platform.

Issue Resolved


The BEA process allowed the buyer to move forward with acquisition while limiting future liability for pre-existing contamination. By documenting site conditions and submitting the necessary forms to EGLE in advance of closing, Lord & Winter helped ensure a smooth path to ownership and set the stage for future redevelopment.
Photo by Alex Brisbey on Unsplash

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