If you just received your Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) results and were told you now need a Phase 2, one of the first questions you’re probably asking is: what does a Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment cost? You’re not alone — and you’re not in trouble. This happens more often than you’d think, and it doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong. It just means your site raised a few red flags that are worth looking into further.

At CRG Texas Environmental Services, we’ve walked hundreds of clients through this exact moment — and we know the next question is always: “How much will a Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment cost me?” This article breaks that down in plain language, so you understand what you’re paying for, why it’s necessary, and how to budget smart.

What Is a Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment, Really?

Think of a Phase I ESA like reading the clues — it’s research-based, with site visits and historical reviews. But a Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment? That’s when we start collecting physical evidence. We’re talking about actual soil, groundwater, and sometimes vapor samples from the property, analyzed in certified labs for contaminants like petroleum, heavy metals, solvents, and more.

It’s an investigative process that’s entirely tailored to your site. No two Phase IIs are exactly the same — and that’s one of the biggest factors when it comes to cost.

Why a Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment Might Be Required After a Phase 1

If your Phase I ESA revealed what’s called a “Recognized Environmental Condition” (REC), you’ll probably need a Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment. RECs can include things like:

• A former gas station next door

• A history of industrial use

• The presence of underground storage tanks (USTs)

• A nearby dry cleaner with a questionable disposal history

One of our clients recently purchased a commercial warehouse in Houston that had previously operated as a machine shop. The Phase I flagged the possibility of past solvent use — and while there were no immediate signs of contamination, the historical records were murky. That uncertainty led us to recommend a Phase 2 ESA, just to be safe. And it paid off — the soil came back clean, giving the buyer peace of mind and a green light from their lender.

Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment Cost in 2025

So, let’s get down to numbers.

Yes, that’s a wide range — but it’s because there are many variables at play. Let’s break down what influences the cost of a Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment, so you can understand where your quote is coming from.

What Factors Affect the Cost of a Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment?

1. Type of Contaminants Suspected

Different contaminants require different types of lab analysis. Testing for petroleum hydrocarbons is more straightforward (and generally less expensive) than analyzing for chlorinated solvents, which require more sensitive and complex methods.

2. Number of Sampling Locations

More sampling = more cost.
If we only need to collect two or three soil samples near a suspect area, the costs remain relatively low. But if the contamination is potentially widespread — say, from a leaking tank — the sampling grid expands.

Each boring or well adds equipment, personnel, lab work, and time.

3. Site Conditions and Accessibility

Believe it or not, a clean, flat, vacant lot will likely cost less to assess than a fully paved, actively used shopping center. Why?

Because paved surfaces may require coring, heavy traffic may require scheduling around business hours, and tight urban spaces can limit equipment access — all adding time and complexity to the fieldwork.

4. Depth of Investigation

Some sites only require shallow soil sampling (3–5 feet below ground surface), while others may need groundwater monitoring wells that go 20–40 feet deep — or deeper. Deeper investigations cost more due to drilling time and additional well construction materials.

5. Reporting Requirements

Are you submitting this to a lender, regulatory agency, or just doing internal due diligence?

Some clients need formal, peer-reviewed reports with detailed appendices, tables, and historical comparisons. Others just need a simple report with lab results and conclusions. The complexity of the final deliverable impacts the Phase 2 ESA cost.

Hypothetical Example: A Sample Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment Cost Breakdown

Let’s say we’re evaluating a former auto repair shop in suburban Texas. The Phase I flagged potential petroleum contamination near the service bays. Here’s what a typical Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment cost breakdown might look like:

Add groundwater sampling or additional contaminant testing, and that number could easily climb to $12K or more. Every site is different, which is why it’s so important to get a site-specific Phase 2 ESA quote — not just a generic estimate.

Can You Reduce the Cost of a Phase 2 ESA?

Yes — but only if it’s done responsibly. Cutting corners in environmental work can lead to bigger, more expensive problems later.

That said, here’s how we help clients manage Phase 2 ESA costs:

• We don’t oversample. Every boring and test we propose is justified by site history and potential impact.

• We phase investigations. If contamination is found, we tackle delineation in stages, not all at once.

• We bundle services. Sometimes, we combine assessment and remediation planning if we anticipate regulatory involvement.

A smart scope saves money. That’s why we always walk clients through their options before putting boots on the ground.

What Happens If Contamination Is Found During a Phase 2 ESA?

If lab results confirm contamination above regulatory levels, the next steps might include:

• Further delineation (defining the size and severity of the impacted area)

• Notification to TCEQ

• Developing a Corrective Action Plan (CAP)

• Long-term monitoring or remediation

And yes — that comes with additional cost. But it’s far better to find and address contamination early than to be surprised by it during construction, sale, or financing.

Why CRG Texas for Your Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment?

We’ve been doing this for over 30 years, across Texas, for clients of all sizes — from small business owners to industrial developers and municipalities.

What sets us apart?

• We don’t scare clients into unnecessary work

• We know what’s required — and what’s not

• We make sure you understand the why behind every Phase 2 ESA cost

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment Costs Catch You Off Guard

A Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment is a smart, proactive step — and while the cost might feel like a curveball, it’s better than facing regulatory fines, liability claims, or buyer hesitation down the road.

If your Phase I recommended a Phase 2 ESA, don’t wait.
Reach out to CRG Texas Environmental Services, and we’ll walk you through the process with clarity, transparency, and experience.

Call us at (713)-474-1570
Or request a quote