Phase II & III ESAs

Phase II Environmental Site Assessments

Phase II Environmental Site Assessment reports are sometimes required when an abnormal environmental condition is found during the Phase I (historical) Environmental Assessment of a property and/or building. Phase II Environmental Assessments consist of collecting soil samples to screen for chemical or metal contamination. This sampling is conducted by drill rig, hydraulic push, hand auger or backhoe, depending on site specific conditions and typically includes sampling of soil, groundwater and surface water. This testing is recommended when there is a significant potential for the existence of an environmental liability that can affect the value of a property. Environmental liabilities are costs associated with regulatory-mandated cleanup, disposal of regulated-waste and civil liability. Civil liability occurs when the contamination has migrated offsite or tenants sue over exposure to hazardous materials. The Phase II ESA may also be used as baseline studies to confirm contaminant background levels prior to construction or purchase or leasing of a facility or property.

Phase III Environmental Site Assessments

A Phase III Environmental Site Assessment is designed to delineate a contaminant of concern once encountered in a Phase II. Typically, a network of boreholes is drilled on a grid system in the contaminated zone. Once delineated, a volume of contaminated soil and groundwater can be calculated and remediation options with cost estimates can be designed and proposed.

The scope of work for a Phase II or III ESA can be tailored to the type of property and likely types of contaminants of concern that may be present.

Typical investigations may include:

• Shallow Vapour Soil Surveys
• Soil Sampling
• Monitoring Well Installation and Ground Water Sampling
• Underground Storage Tanks
• Fuel Tank Removal and Site Remediation
• Leaking Underground Storage Tanks
• Hazardous Building Materials Assessments