Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment

At Ben Engineering, we provide both Phase 1 and Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs), performed by a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) and Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo.).

In Ontario, there are two common frameworks for Phase 2 ESAs. One follows the Canadian Standards Association CSA Z769 (Phase 2 ESA), typically used for real estate transactions and due diligence. The other follows Ontario’s O. Reg. 153/04 (as amended), typically used for rezoning, Record of Site Condition (RSC) filing, and municipal or provincial applications (e.g., building permits).

A Phase 2 ESA is generally conducted after a Phase 1 ESA identifies potential Areas of Potential Environmental Concern. The aim is to determine whether contamination is present and, if so, its nature and extent.

A Phase 2 ESA is often required where the site or adjacent properties involve potentially contaminating activities (e.g., dry cleaning, auto repair, manufacturing, gas stations, scrap yards). The presence of aboveground or underground storage tanks (ASTs/USTs) can also trigger investigation.

Common contaminants include petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs), volatile/semi‑volatile organic compounds (VOCs/SVOCs), metals, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

Typical scope includes intrusive on‑site sampling and analysis:

  • Strategic drilling and borehole advancement (preferably to groundwater), with monitoring wells where required, and soil/groundwater sample collection.
  • Collection of suspect building material samples (e.g., asbestos, lead) where relevant to environmental risk.
  • Field screening and moisture measurements as applicable.
  • Accredited laboratory analysis to characterize detected substances and concentrations.
  • Comparison of results to applicable standards/guidelines and interpretation of exceedances.
  • Reporting of methods, borehole logs, laboratory certificates, findings, and recommendations.

Phase 2 ESAs may be completed under CSA Z769 or O. Reg. 153/04 (RSC), with sampling and QA/QC procedures aligned to Ontario guidance as applicable.

Key differences by intended use

Use CSA Z769 (Phase 2) O. Reg. 153/04 (RSC)
Due diligence Yes Yes
Financing Yes Yes
Building permit No Yes
Rezoning No Yes
Record of Site Condition No Yes
Other government applications (Ontario) No Yes
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Environmental Site Assessment
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Phase 2 ESA soil sampling Phase 2 ESA groundwater well Phase 2 ESA field testing Phase 2 ESA laboratory analysis Phase 2 ESA reporting

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