Environmental Solutions by Abenaki Associates: Environmental Site Assessments
Our qualified associates are equipped to provide you with Phase I, Phase II & Phase III ESA’s. We can help you assess the risk of any potential environmental liability, perform ‘intrusive’ investigations, & assist you in undertaking any remediation that is required. Our site professionals have been involved in carrying out environmental site assessments and remediation programs for a range of clients including Kingsclear First Nation, St. Mary's First Nation, Department Construction Canada, and Petro Canada.
Contact one of the helpful members of our team and let us help you formulate a plan of action for your next big project!
Phase I ESA
An Environmental Site Assessment is a report which identifies potential or existing environmental contamination liabilities. The analysis, often called an ESA, typically addresses both the underlying land as well as physical improvements to the property; however, techniques applied in a Phase I ESA never include actual collection of physical samples or chemical analyses of any kind. Phase I assessments are conducted in accordance to the CSA Z768-01 standard.
The following steps are completed in during the Phase I ESA include:
- A records review in order to collect data on past activities on the site and neighbouring properties, including mandatory documents and optional documents when applicable.
- A site visit to identify any visual evidence of actual or potential contamination (for example, an underground oil tank, or asbestos pipe insulation).
- Interviews with site personnel, government officials and third parties, in some cases.
- Evaluation of the information and reporting of the findings and conclusions.
Phase II ESA
A Phase II ESA is an "intrusive" investigation which collects original samples of soil, groundwater or building materials to analyze for quantitative values of various contaminants. This investigation is normally undertaken when a Phase I ESA determines a likelihood of site contamination. The most frequent substances tested are petroleum hydrocarbons, heavy metals, pesticides, solvents, asbestos and mold.
A Phase II ESA consists of:
- Intrusive investigations (test pits, boreholes, monitoring wells)
- Soil and/or Groundwater sample collection (may include air sampling as well as other materials deemed environmentally hazardous)
- Field analysis and Laboratory analysis
Phase III ESA
A Phase III ESA is an investigation involving remediation of a site. Phase III ESA investigations aim to delineate the physical extent of contamination based on recommendations made in Phase II assessments. Phase III ESA investigations may involve intensive testing, sampling, and monitoring, “fate and transport” studies and other modeling, and the design of feasibility studies for remediation and remedial plans. This study normally involves assessment of alternative cleanup methods, costs and logistics. The associated reportage details the steps taken to perform site cleanup and the follow-up monitoring for residual contaminants.
A Phase III ESA consists of:
- Investigate the nature and extent of environmental contamination identified in the Phase II ESA.
- Determine potential risk to human health and the environment
- Determine if a Remedial Action Plan (RAP) is required for the contaminated site.
HOME|ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS|ENVIRONMENTAL SITE ASSESSMENTS (ESA)