Environmental site assessments are typically conducted as part of the “due diligence” process designed to assist clients in understanding the environmental risks associated with properties. Recently, the dangers of environmental site contamination have become an issue for anyone buying, selling, or financing property. Due to past and present land use practices, some sites have been or are becoming contaminated. Contamination on a site presents major concerns and possible liabilities for the buyer, seller and lender.
To reduce this risk, it has become necessary to undertake Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) to determine the actual or potential environmental site contamination.
A Phase I ESA is a preliminary assessment by which the assessor determines if a specific property is or may be subject to contamination from past or present site uses and adjacent land use. The assessment combines both on-site and desktop studies to understand potential liabilities associated with a property.
The scope of the Phase I ESA consists of a very detailed review of historical property use, land title records, occupancy records, aerial photographs, city directories, fire insurance maps, and mandatory regulatory searches. Geology, Hydrology and Topography are analyzed to determine potential environmental hazards associated with the property or adjacent sites. A visual inspection of the site and surrounding properties includes identifying any liquid or chemical storage, PCBs, ACMs, lead or other designated substances, spills or soil and building contamination. Interviews are conducted with persons who know the past and present site activities.
A report is then prepared by the assessor based on the investigation findings. W.A. Environmental Services Ltd. conducts Phase I ESA’s by Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Standard Z768-01, reaffirmed in 2022. A Phase I ESA does not include sample gathering, laboratory testing, or intrusive investigation of a property. Where the potential for contamination has been identified, a Phase II ESA would be recommended for the site.
Essentially, A Phase I ESA determines whether there is a potential for environmental contamination. If the conclusion is “no,” then the recommendation is “No further environmental investigation required at this time.” If the conclusion is “yes,” the recommendation will be “A Phase II ESA is required to confirm whether a contaminant of potential concern has negatively impacted the subsurface conditions.” This typically means that a drilling program is required.
Act now to mitigate potential risks and liabilities – Request your Phase I ESA consultation with WA Environmental Services Ltd. today!
