Author Archives: Peter Vaz


“Do I really need to follow that recommendation?” Part II

In one recent case, a Phase I completed for a commercial retail property concluded that additional testing was needed. But was a Phase II really necessary? This case study reveals how one client was able to avoid a costly and time-intensive Phase II by relying upon PVC and using some common sense.


“Do I really need to follow that recommendation?” Part I

Do some environmental due diligence recommendations seem overly aggressive and conservative, or present in a particular shade of grey? More often that not, unpopular and expensive recommendations are wholly appropriate; other times, not so much. Here’s a case study on how a few relatively simple steps and short dollars can confirm the environmental risk posed to your collateral.


Season’s Greetings: Insights from 2012

Happy Holidays from PVC! I wish you and your family all the best the holiday season has to offer and warm wishes for a prosperous New Year. As 2012 draws to a close, I want to share three important themes that seemed prominent throughout the course of the year. I hope they will help guide your business in 2013.


Video tutorial: Three environmental due diligence products to consider

Preexisting environmental documents is a good starting point in your quest for appropriate environmental due diligence. But what if previous reports aren’t available and you need to start from scratch? Here’s a brief overview of three environmental due diligence products to consider, and how to make the best choice for your individual deal.


Tutorial: What’s the right level of due diligence?

At the onset of a commercial real estate transaction, do you find yourself wondering if an environmental investigation is even necessary — and if so, what level of due diligence is appropriate? Watch this two-minute tutorial to learn about the three simple steps that can get you moving in the right direction.


Three situations to look out for during financing — and what to do to protect your interests

Lenders need to have their environmental radar up on each and every deal. Here are three examples that require special attention, regardless of the size of your deal.


How contaminated soil could affect your development deal

Concerned about contaminated soil affecting your development deal? You have good reason. Here are three very different examples of dealing with soil contamination during — and sometimes after — redevelopment.


Top Five Environmental Risk Q&As of 2011

As 2011 draws to a close, PVC is celebrating its first anniversary. After 20 years in the industry, I’ve noticed several common concerns that clients routinely seek help on. Here, then, are my top five Q&As of 2011.


Do You Know Which Way the Water Flows?

Measuring groundwater flow is not an exact science, and discrepancies can result in consultants pointing their fingers at one another. It can also lead to unexpected cleanup costs, long after remedial estimates have been published and escrows negotiated.