Phase 1 ESA Providers in Wisconsin
30 firms provide Phase 1 ESA services in Wisconsin — 5 with a verified Wisconsin presence and 25 national providers covering the state. Typical Wisconsin pricing runs $2,000–$4,500.
Those figures come from our Wisconsin Phase 1 ESA cost analysis, which applies Wisconsin's regional cost index to the national base rate of $2,000–$4,500. Wisconsin tracks the national base rate; we publish a state-specific index only where we hold evidence that local rates diverge.
Wisconsin Local Providers (5)
Firms with a verified Wisconsin presence. Local providers typically know county-level records access and regional pricing better than a national desk.
National Providers Serving Wisconsin (25)
National firms carry multi-state coverage and are usually the right call for portfolio deals spanning several states.
How to Choose a Phase 1 ESA Provider in Wisconsin
- Environmental Professional qualification. The report must be prepared by an EP as defined in 40 CFR 312. Ask who signs it, not just who sells it.
- Wisconsin records access. Historical records quality varies by county. A firm that has worked the county before moves faster on Sanborn maps, permits and agency files.
- Lender acceptance. Confirm the firm's reports are accepted by your lender — see lender requirements before you commission.
- Phase 2 capability. If the Phase 1 finds a REC you will want the same firm to scope the Phase 2; switching firms mid-investigation costs time and money.
- Turnaround honesty. Two to three weeks is standard. A quote promising materially faster at no premium is worth questioning.
Wisconsin Metro Markets
Phase 1 ESA pricing across the Wisconsin markets we track. Most providers above serve all of them:
What Moves the Price in Wisconsin
Property type shifts Phase 1 ESA cost more than geography does. These carry the largest premiums over a standard commercial parcel:
- Junkyard / Salvage Yard — +60% ($3,200–$7,200 in Wisconsin).
- Gas Station — +50% ($3,000–$6,750 in Wisconsin).
- Dry Cleaner — +40% ($2,800–$6,300 in Wisconsin).
- Manufacturing Facility — +40% ($2,800–$6,300 in Wisconsin).
- Shooting Range — +35% ($2,700–$6,075 in Wisconsin).
- Marina / Boat Storage — +35% ($2,700–$6,075 in Wisconsin).
Turnaround and Rush Pricing in Wisconsin
Standard turnaround is about 14 days from engagement in Wisconsin. Rush service compresses that to roughly 5 days and prices at $2,800–$6,300 — a 40% premium. The binding constraint is usually records retrieval and agency response times, not the site visit, so a firm that already works the county often delivers faster at the same price.
Ask any Wisconsin provider what their quoted turnaround actually starts from — engagement, retainer receipt, or receipt of the property information questionnaire. That definition is where most schedule disputes come from.
If the Wisconsin Phase 1 Finds a REC
A Phase 1 that identifies a Recognized Environmental Condition triggers a Phase 2 ESA — soil, groundwater and vapor sampling with laboratory analysis. In Wisconsin that runs $5,000–$25,000, against $2,000–$4,500 for the Phase 1 itself.
This is worth asking about before you engage, not after. A consultant who can carry the work through to Phase 2 already knows the site, and bundling the two typically costs less than bringing in a second firm mid-investigation. See Wisconsin Phase 2 ESA costs for the scope breakdown.
Wisconsin Environmental Oversight
Environmental findings on Wisconsin property are assessed against state cleanup standards administered by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR). A consultant working in Wisconsin should be screening results against that agency's action levels and know which voluntary cleanup pathways are available. Ask which program they are screening against before fieldwork begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Phase 1 ESA cost in Wisconsin?
A Phase 1 ESA in Wisconsin typically costs $2,000 to $4,500, in line with the national base rate. Property type and scope move the figure more than location does.
How many Phase 1 ESA providers serve Wisconsin?
We track 30 firms serving Wisconsin: 5 with a verified Wisconsin presence and 25 national providers that cover the state.
Do I need a Wisconsin-licensed consultant?
A Phase 1 ESA must be conducted by an Environmental Professional as defined by the EPA's All Appropriate Inquiries rule (40 CFR 312). That is a federal qualification standard rather than a Wisconsin licence, which is why national firms can work in every state. Wisconsin-specific knowledge still matters for records access and state cleanup programs.