Environmental site assessment
Environmental site assessment phase I
A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment is aimed primarily at identifying signs of actual or potential environmental contamination through an intensive study of current and past uses of the site or property. Phase I is performed in accordance to the general principles of CSA Z768-01 and includes the following steps:
- Gathering historical data
- Site visit
- Interviews with owners, tenants and employees
- Inspection of the site or property
- Writing a report
Environmental site assessment phase II
Following the completion of a Phase I environmental site assessment, in the event that potential contamination indicators are present on the site (underground reservoirs, residual material storage areas, etc.), the carrying out of a Phase II site characterization study or environmental assessment confirms the presence or absence of contaminants. The characterization result makes it possible to:
- Determine the type of pollutant
- Analyze and interpret the data
- Target contaminated sectors
- Evaluate the extent of contamination
- Writing of the characterization report
Environmental site assessment phase III
Following the analytical results of the samples taken during Phase II, a sampling pattern must be developed during Phase III to delineate the contamination. In a Phase III, soil sampling aims to establish a mesh of delimitation of the contamination on surface as well as in depth.
For environmental remediation works, a phase III is important to estimate the amount of soil to be decontaminated and therefore reduce the associated costs.
