|
Toll Free: 1-888-250-6696
The purpose of the
Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) report as defined in the CSA Z768-01 Standard is to
identify actual and potential site contamination through a process of collecting current visual accessible evidence on
the site and review of background documents. In Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment, no laboratory testing, sample
gathering, intrusive investigation, or physical analysis is required. A
Phase 1 ESA, even if conducted in
accordance with the CSA-Z768-01 Standard is indented only to reduce, but not necessarily to eliminate the possibility of
potential contamination on the property.
The Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment is mostly required when purchasing a commercial property, in order to minimize liability risks as a
result of contamination. The requirement can come from the purchaser itself as a mean of discretion, the financial
institute that finances the purchase, or the local municipality.
While the Scope of Work is not absolutely defined in the Standard and can be modified with accordance to the client’s
needs, there are four principles involved in the
Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment process:
- 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.
The
Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment reports are conducted in general compliance to the CSA
Z768-01 Standard and the requirements of O.Reg. 153/04 for obtaining a Record of Site Condition
|
