"Texas, often referred to as the Lone Star State, is a thriving hub for economic growth and innovation, making it an attractive destination for commercial real estate investment." - Chris Evans

Land Surveys and Environmental Due Diligence: A Critical Step in Texas Development

Good Projects Start with Good Data—and a Clear Environmental Picture

Before a commercial development deal is signed, one thing must be clear: what’s under the ground matters as much as what’s above it. That’s why environmental due diligence is such a critical part of any real estate transaction—and land surveys play a key role in that process.

At South Texas Surveying, we provide accurate, timely boundary, topographic, and ALTA surveys that support environmental consultants, developers, and engineers across Houston, Pearland, Conroe, and Pasadena as they assess a site’s potential risks and buildability.

What Is Environmental Due Diligence in Real Estate?

Environmental due diligence includes assessments like Phase I ESAs (Environmental Site Assessments), soil testing, and reviews of past land use to uncover risks like:

• Underground storage tanks (USTs)

• Contaminated soil or groundwater

• Past industrial use or chemical dumping

• Wetlands or protected areas

• Proximity to hazardous facilities

But before environmental professionals can assess a site, they need accurate survey data to define what they’re evaluating.

How Surveys Support Environmental Due Diligence

A land survey supports environmental due diligence by providing:

• ✅ Precise property boundaries so the ESA scope is accurate

• ✅ Topographic details to assess drainage and potential runoff risks

• ✅ Location of improvements like wells, tanks, or paved areas

• ✅ Easement data that might limit remediation access

• ✅ Floodplain info for FEMA risk zones and wetland boundaries

This information is especially critical in commercial and industrial zones, where historical land use may have included fuel storage, dry cleaning, or manufacturing.

Real-World Example: Avoiding a Risky Investment in Pasadena

An investor looking to acquire a small industrial property in Pasadena ordered a Phase I ESA—but the previous survey was outdated and missing utility easements. Our team provided a new ALTA/NSPS survey, which revealed a drainage easement intersecting the suspected contamination zone. This allowed the environmental team to assess clean-up access early and helped the buyer renegotiate the purchase price.

Survey Types That Support Environmental Review

✅ ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey

Includes improvements, easements, access, and other details needed by lenders and environmental consultants.

✅ Topographic Survey

Helps identify grading, flow of water, potential wetlands, and areas where runoff could spread contaminants.

✅ Boundary Survey

Defines exactly what land is being assessed, critical for properties with unclear or overlapping records.

Who Needs a Survey for Environmental Due Diligence?

• Commercial and industrial developers

• Environmental consultants and engineers

• Title companies and real estate attorneys

• Lenders requiring clean environmental reports

• Land buyers and investment firms

Areas We Serve for Environmental & ALTA Surveys

• Houston Metro – Industrial, warehouse, and redevelopment zones

• Conroe & The Woodlands – Commercial corridors and large undeveloped tracts

• Katy, Cypress & Tomball – Mixed-use developments and medical parks

• Pasadena, Baytown & Deer Park – Heavy industrial and energy sector sites

• Pearland, Manvel & Brazoria County – Commercial retail and suburban expansion zones

Why Work with South Texas Surveying

• ✅ Experienced in ALTA/NSPS and Category 1A commercial surveys

• ✅ Trusted by environmental consultants and attorneys across Texas

• ✅ Fast turnaround to meet due diligence deadlines

• ✅ Detailed reports tailored for lender, legal, and compliance teams

• ✅ Local knowledge of flood zones, easements, and permitting authorities

You can’t manage environmental risk without knowing exactly what land you’re working with. A professional survey is more than a map—it’s the foundation of smart, informed, and compliant development.

Contact South Texas Surveying today to support your next environmental due diligence project.