Anyone who has knowledge of any environmental hazards within the vicinity of the subject property should disclose such information to ROW PD so that proper acquisition may be made.

When the appraiser inspects the property to be acquired, he/she should report any conditions observed during inspection or discovered through appraisal research leading the appraiser/reviewer to believe that adverse environmental conditions affect the subject property, or is contrary with information or descriptions provided by others.

If the district and/or the appraiser are not qualified to determine the extent or impact suspected contamination might have on the parcel, the ROW Program Office should be notified in order that a professional consultant may be obtained to render an environmental evaluation. Environmental concerns include hazardous wastes/storage/materials, or manufacturing processes that pose a threat to the environment or human health and natural resources, such as wetlands, which may ultimately affect the appraisal process and the amount of compensation paid.

It must be noted that an environmental evaluation of a parcel is only possible when the property owner gives consent.

The Appraisals Standards Board has issued Advisory Opinion , which addresses this issue.