Phase II Environmental Site Assessment

A Phase II ESA identifies site-specific "constituents of concern"; representative samples are obtained and submitted to accredited laboratories for detailed chemical analysis. The analytical data are compared to the applicable federal, provincial or municipal regulatory criteria. The components of a Phase II ESA are:

• A Phase II ESA is undertaken if a Phase I ESA determines there is a potential environmental risk on a property.
• The Phase II ESA investigates surface and sub-surface impact and provides a characterization of the site conditions to determine if further assessment and/or remedial work is required.
• The investigation can include the collection of soil, surface water, sediment and groundwater samples. Geophysical surveys and soil vapor surveys to identify buried infrastructure and/or contaminant plumes may also be used. The investigation may include a hazardous materials survey of buildings or structures.
• Representative samples are obtained from test pits, boreholes and/or monitoring wells. The number, the location and the specifications of the sample sites are determined by the site conditions and in consultation with the client.
• Prior to any subsurface investigation, the locations of underground utilities and services are investigated and confirmed.
• Constituents of concern are identified, sampled, analyzed and the laboratory results are compared to the applicable regulatory standards. If the Phase II ESA identifies adverse environmental impact in excess of the applicable regulatory guidelines, additional assessment, such as Phase III ESA, a risk assessment and/or remediation work may be required.